Haiti Gas Tank Truck Explosion Claims Over 15 Lives

A gas tank truck explosion in western Haiti has resulted in the deaths of over 15 people and caused severe burns to 40 others. The incident occurred near Miragoane in the Nippes department, and the Haitian government is planning evacuations. This tragedy follows a similar 2021 explosion in Cap-Haitien.

More than 15 people in western Haiti were killed after a gas tank truck exploded on Saturday, according to Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille via a social media post.

Another 40 individuals sustained serious burns from the explosion near Miragoane in the department of Nippes, Conille reported, noting that these figures are preliminary. The government is planning helicopter evacuations in response to the incident. 'The government stands in solidarity with all the victims and their families,' stated Conille.

This event echoes a similar tragedy in 2021 when a fuel truck explosion in Cap-Haitien resulted in at least 60 deaths. Recently, violent gangs have taken control of much of the capital and extended their influence to adjacent regions, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacements, sexual violence, child recruitment, and widespread hunger.

Earlier this month, Haiti's state of emergency was extended to cover the entire country.

(With inputs from agencies.)