Twenty-four people are dead in Haiti after a fuel tanker exploded on Saturday, September 14. The explosion is being reported as accidental and happened around Miragoane. The commune is roughly 60 miles inland from Port-au-Prince.
The fuel tanker was involved in an accident involving one other vehicle which resulted in a spill. After being warned by the driver to stay away, many people attempted to collect some of the fuel and were close to the tanker when it blew up.
Roughly 20 cars and other vehicles were consumed by the resultant flames.
Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille told international press that so many people were injured that the medical services were overwhelmed. Many of the victims were airlifted, while others were rushed via ground transport.
Officials described terrible injuries, with many victims suffering severe burns covering 80% of their bodies. Conille called it “a horrible scene.”
Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened in Haiti. In 2021, over 60 people were killed by another exploding fuel truck.
Haiti has been enduring severe political violence and social unrest for years. Most recently, gangs have taken over large swaths of the country. Roughly 85% of the capital is controlled by criminal elements, according to Grok.
Conille took over leadership of the country from Ariel Henry who resigned earlier this year. He’s been the prime minister since June. He was appointed by the Haitian transitional council and faces severe challenges restoring the country to functional status.
Some have wondered who is arming the criminal elements as they have ample firearms and ammunition.
The Biden administration has been doing its best to facilitate the arrival of refugees. One of their migrant welfare programs was criticized for handing out over 1$ billion in benefits to foreigners who enter the country claiming asylum. Over half a million people have fled the country or been forced to relocate within it due to the violence.
