More than 15 people were killed and about 40 injured in southern Haiti when a tanker truck leaking petrol exploded near the city of Miragoane in the region of Nippes. The interim Prime Minister, Garry Conille, expressed his condolences and stated that the government was mobilising civil protection crews to assist in the aftermath of the tragedy. The injured were taken to Sainte Therese Hospital in Miragoane, and those in serious condition would be transferred to other regional hospitals for treatment. Witnesses reported that the explosion occurred as people were trying to collect fuel leaking from the truck, resulting in a devastating scene of destruction.
A witness mentioned that the explosion happened after the truck’s gas tank was punctured by another vehicle, leading people to rush to collect the fuel. The witness described how those close to the truck were severely impacted by the blast, and it was difficult to determine the exact number of casualties due to the large number of people in the vicinity. The incident was described as a horrendous scene by the interim Prime Minister, further highlighting the severity of the situation. This tragic event adds to a series of deadly tanker truck explosions that have occurred in Haiti in recent years, including an incident in 2021 where dozens of people were killed in Cap-Haitien.
Haiti has faced challenges with fuel shortages, exacerbated by gang violence that has disrupted fuel deliveries to the Miragoane area and other regions. The government has been working to address these issues, including transporting fuel trucks via ferry to avoid gang-controlled highways surrounding Port-au-Prince. The recent explosion serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel collection and transportation in Haiti. The government has pledged to support the victims and their families, with plans to evacuate those in need of urgent medical care via helicopter to regional hospitals.
The incident has led to a call for increased safety measures and regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Efforts to improve the transportation and handling of hazardous materials, including fuel, are essential to protect the population and prevent further disasters. The government and civil protection agencies are working to provide aid and support to those affected by the explosion, while also addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the incident. The resilience of the Haitian people in the face of such challenges is evident, as they come together to respond to the crisis and support one another during this difficult time.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, authorities are working to determine the cause of the blast and identify any potential negligence or misconduct that may have contributed to the tragedy. It is crucial to hold those responsible for the incident accountable and implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. The government’s response to the explosion highlights the importance of preparedness and emergency response in the face of such unforeseen events, as well as the need for ongoing efforts to improve safety standards and regulations in Haiti’s transportation and fuel industries.
