Over the weekend, a tragic incident unfolded in southern Haiti when a tanker truck carrying gasoline exploded, resulting in a devastating loss of life. The latest reports indicate that the death toll has climbed to 26 individuals, with at least 40 others sustaining injuries in the explosion. Among the injured, six have been transported to the capital city of Port-au-Prince for further medical treatment, while plans are underway to transfer an additional 12 victims with severe burns.
The explosion occurred in the coastal city of Miragoane after the tanker truck overturned, triggering a massive fireball. This incident marks a grim reminder of a similar tragedy that struck Haiti in 2021, when 75 people lost their lives in the northern city of Cap-Haitien due to a fuel truck accident. The previous disaster saw a fuel truck overturn, leading to a catastrophic fire that engulfed multiple homes and businesses. Tragically, some of the casualties were individuals who had rushed to the scene in an attempt to collect spilled fuel.
Haiti's Civil Protection Agency has been actively involved in responding to the recent incident, although they have not yet provided a statement regarding the situation. The authorities are working diligently to manage the aftermath of the explosion and provide necessary support to the victims and their families.