Death toll rises to 28 in Haiti tanker explosion
Port-au-Prince.- The death toll from the explosion of a tanker truck in Haiti has risen to 28, with 42 others injured, as confirmed by Civil Protection officials on Monday. The explosion occurred on Saturday in Calbassier, Miragoane, about 100 kilometers south of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The incident happened when the tanker truck collided with a stationary vehicle, causing its tank to rupture. Local residents, despite warnings from the driver, rushed to collect the spilled fuel, leading to the explosion.
Haitian Public Health Minister Georges Fils extended his condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that 30 injured individuals were evacuated to Port-au-Prince over the weekend. Seven health authorities have been mobilized to respond to the crisis. Prime Minister Garry Conille, who visited the accident site and participated in the evacuation of the critically injured via UN helicopter, pledged government support for the victims and announced plans to enhance rescue capabilities.
Tragic loss of life! The country’s poor place their lives at risk at the opportunity to obtain a rare “free’ crumb to sustain them into the next day(s). Life is cheap, the news of this misfortune will fade away in week.