At least 53 people killed in Haiti after fuel truck explodes
Officials say the death toll is expected to climb higher
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Three days of national mourning have been called after at least 50 people were killed when a truck carrying petrol exploded in northern Haiti.
Dozens of others have been injured, said officials, as the tragedy also devastated some 20 homes close to the explosion site.
The blast occurred late on Monday in the city of Cap-Haitien, Prime Minister Ariel Henry said, adding that he was devastated.
“Three days of national mourning will be decreed throughout the territory, in memory of the victims of this tragedy that the entire Haitian nation is grieving,” Mr Henry tweeted.
He said his administration was deploying field hospitals to the area to help those affected.
Patrick Almonor, deputy mayor of Cap-Haitien, told the Associated Press that at least 53 deaths and more than 100 injured had been reported after the explosion that burned around 20 homes near the site.
He said he expects the number of deaths to keep rising because people who died in their homes have not yet been counted.
“It’s horrible what happened,” he said. “We lost so many lives.”
Mr Almonor said a local hospital is in dire need of more nurses, doctors and basic medical supplies to help those injured.
The explosion occurred as Haiti struggles with a severe shortage of fuel and spiralling prices.
“It’s terrible what our country has to go through,” Mr Larose said.
Former prime minister Claude Joseph also mourned the victims, tweeting: “I share the pain and sorrow of all the people.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments