'Severe Fuel Shortage' Fuel Truck Explosion in Haiti... At Least 62 Dead

(Photo by CNN)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] At least 62 people died after a truck carrying fuel overturned and exploded in Cap-Ha?tien, the second largest city in Haiti, CNN and others reported on the 14th (local time).

Patrick Almonor, Deputy Mayor of Cap-Ha?tien, explained, "The truck transporting gasoline overturned due to an accident and exploded along with the fuel, burning dozens of nearby houses and vehicles."

So far, the death toll stands at 62, and rescue efforts are ongoing inside the nearby buildings that were burned, so the number of casualties is expected to rise.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, which are facing severe shortages of personnel and medical supplies as many patients with severe burns have arrived at once.

In the midst of Haiti's severe fuel shortage, about 100 pedestrians had gathered to collect gasoline leaking from the accident truck when the explosion occurred, worsening the damage.

Ariel Henry, Prime Minister of Haiti, visited the hospitals where the injured are being treated and announced that the government will provide emergency funds and support for funerals for the victims. The Prime Minister also declared a three-day mourning period.

In Haiti, severe fuel shortages have continued recently as gangs have blocked fuel transportation for some time, especially around the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The gangs lifted the blockade and fuel transportation resumed last month, but there is still great anxiety about when another supply shortage might occur, and gasoline prices have recently risen sharply.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Caribbean, has been plagued by tragedies due to consecutive disasters and political instability, including the assassination of President Jovenel Mo?se by gunmen and an earthquake that claimed over 2,000 lives.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.