Miragoane, Haiti — A devastating explosion from a gasoline tanker claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals and left 40 more with severe burns in Haiti, as confirmed by the nation’s Prime Minister. The tragedy, which triggered a swift response from local and international emergency services, has shaken the local community and prompted a review of transport and safety protocols in the region.
The victims, some in critical condition, were urgently airlifted to nearby hospitals in Fonds des Blancs and Les Cayes, areas close to the explosion site in the Nippes Department. A large-scale emergency airborne evacuation operation is being organized to facilitate further transfers of the injured to the capital city, Port-au-Prince, in coordination with Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organization.
The explosion occurred in the area of Morne Calbassier close to Miragoane. According to preliminary reports, the tanker collided with a stalled vehicle, causing damage to the truck’s fuel tank. Despite warnings from the truck driver, many locals rushed to collect the fuel spilling from the tanker, leading to the catastrophic explosion.
Eyewitness accounts described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with up to 20 motorcycles and several cars also destroyed in the blast. The intensity of the explosion rendered the bodies of the 16 deceased unrecognizable, reflecting the tragic severity of the incident.
The focus now shifts to addressing the immediate medical needs of the injured and stabilizing those who suffered critical burns. This incident sheds light on the perilous condition of fuel transportation in regions where safety protocols and infrastructure maintenance may often be compromised.
Government officials and safety inspectors are calling for an in-depth investigation into the accident, aiming to prevent future occurrences. Discussions are also ongoing regarding improving road safety standards and enhancing emergency response capabilities in the region.
The community is mourning the loss, with calls for both immediate support to the families affected and long-term strategies to ensure safer transportation practices. As the investigation unfolds, the responses to this tragic event could lead to significant changes in how hazardous materials are transported across Haiti.