A fuel truck explosion in Haiti’s southern peninsula has resulted in the deaths of 24 people and left half of the 40 injured survivors with third-degree burns. Prime Minister Garry Conille visited the site near Miragoane and arranged helicopter evacuations for the most seriously injured victims. Ambulances were dispatched to assist those with severe burns and alleviate overcrowded local hospitals. The injured were mostly men, as well as three women and a child, according to a report from Haiti’s emergency services, which did not reveal the identities of the deceased. Another 15 people sustained second-degree burns in the explosion.
The witness reported that the incident occurred when the truck’s gas tank was punctured by another vehicle, causing people to rush to the scene to collect fuel. This resulted in a tragic situation where those closest to the truck were severely injured. A similar incident in 2021 in Cap-Haitien saw at least 60 people lose their lives after attempting to take fuel from a tanker truck. Fuel deliveries to the Miragoane area have slowed in recent weeks as trucks were transported via ferry to avoid gang-controlled highways surrounding the capital of Port-au-Prince, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.
The impact of gangs in the capital and surrounding areas has further worsened the situation in Haiti, leading to mass displacements, sexual violence, child recruitment, and widespread hunger. A state of emergency has been declared nationwide as the country grapples with multiple crises. Haiti’s civil protection agency has reported the identities of three individuals, a 31-year-old man and two 23-year-old men, who suffered burns over 89% of their bodies and are receiving treatment in a hospital in Les Cayes, southern Haiti. Prime Minister Conille described the scene as “horrible” and emphasized the urgent need for medical care for the survivors of the explosion.
The government is working to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy, with a focus on evacuating and treating the most severely injured victims. Ambulances are being dispatched to attend to others with severe burns and to alleviate the strain on local hospitals. While the details of the incident remain under investigation, the immediate focus is on providing emergency medical care and support to the survivors. Haiti continues to face significant challenges in the wake of the fuel truck explosion, as the country grapples with ongoing security concerns and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The fuel truck explosion has once again highlighted the precarious situation in Haiti, where basic services and infrastructure are strained, and people are struggling to meet their most basic needs. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stability and support in the country. As efforts continue to provide assistance and care to the survivors of the explosion, the government is also addressing the broader challenges facing Haiti, including the impact of gang violence and the need for improved security measures. The tragic event underscores the importance of international assistance and solidarity in helping Haiti navigate through these difficult times and rebuild a more sustainable future for all its citizens.
