PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A truck carrying gasoline overturned and exploded in a fireball in northern Haiti, engulfing automobiles and houses in flames because it killed greater than 50 folks and injured dozens of others within the newest catastrophe to hit a rustic whose troubles deepened significantly this 12 months.
The explosion occurred late Monday within the coastal metropolis of Cap-Haitien as survivors rushed outdoors and yelled as they noticed how the hearth consumed a part of their neighborhood. Hours later, a neighborhood hospital was overwhelmed with injured folks because it pleaded for fundamental provides and extra medical workers.
Dozens of our bodies lay close to the explosion web site as some folks used buckets to scoop up gasoline from the truck and the road to take again to their properties, Dave Larose, a civil engineer who works in Cap-Haitien, informed The Related Press.
Individuals stand on the web site of an explosion in Cap-Haitien, Haiti December 14, 2021, on this nonetheless picture obtained from Reuters TV footage. Reuters TV/by way of Reuters.
The explosion occurred as Haiti struggles with a extreme scarcity of gas and spiraling fuel costs that not too long ago compelled hospitals to show away sufferers, quickly shut down fuel stations, faculties and companies and prompted the federal government of U.S. and Canada to induce its residents to go away whereas they nonetheless may.
“It’s horrible what our nation has to undergo,” Larose mentioned.
Haiti remains to be making an attempt to recuperate from the July 7 presidential assassination and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August, killing greater than 2,200 folks and destroying tens of hundreds of properties. The nation of greater than 11 million folks additionally has been hit by a spike in gang-related kidnappings, together with 17 missionaries with a U.S. non secular group who had been kidnapped in mid-October. 5 of them have been launched however one other 12 are nonetheless being held.
Now, Haitians discover themselves mourning the victims of the explosion, which officers consider occurred after the fuel truck overturned after apparently making an attempt to keep away from hitting a bike, Patrick Almonor, deputy mayor of Cap-Haitien, informed The Related Press.
He mentioned at the very least 53 deaths and greater than 100 injured have been reported following the explosion that burned round 20 properties close to the positioning. He mentioned he expects the variety of deaths to maintain rising as a result of individuals who died of their properties haven’t but been counted.
“It’s horrible what occurred,” he mentioned. “We misplaced so many lives.”
READ MORE: Haitian gang releases 3 hostages, says U.S. non secular group
Almonor mentioned a neighborhood hospital is in dire want of extra nurses, medical doctors and fundamental medical provides to assist these injured.
“We’re overwhelmed,” an individual recognized as Dr. Calhil Turenne informed Le Nouvelliste newspaper.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry mentioned he was devastated and introduced that his administration was deploying subject hospitals to the realm to assist these affected.
“Three days of nationwide mourning will probably be decreed all through the territory, in reminiscence of the victims of this tragedy that the complete Haitian nation is grieving,” he tweeted.
Former Prime Minister Claude Joseph additionally mourned the victims, tweeting, “I share the ache and sorrow of all of the folks.”
