PORT-AU-PRINCE: At least 16 people were killed and more than 40 others injured in southwestern Haiti on Saturday when a tanker truck leaking fuel exploded, said Fidel Nicolas, head of the Civil Protection in the Nippes region.
Witnesses reported that the explosion happened while people were attempting to collect the leaking fuel. The blast caused significant damage and resulted in numerous casualties.
The injured were rushed to Sainte Therese hospital in Miragoane, a port city located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The severity of the injuries has led authorities to prepare for the transfer of critically injured victims to other regional hospitals for advanced treatment.
Haiti’s interim Prime Minister, Garry Conille, convened an emergency government meeting to address the disaster and coordinate the relief efforts. Emmanuel Pierre, national head of Civil Protection, confirmed the measures being taken and underscored the urgency of providing medical care to those affected.
