The deputy mayor of the port city of Cap-Haitien, Patrick Almonor, said on Tuesday that he saw between 50 and 54 victims at the scene of the accident who were burned beyond recognition. It is impossible to identify them.
According to him, after the accident in the early morning (local time), around 20 surrounding houses also caught fire as a result of the explosion. Further victims are to be feared there. Other sources spoke of around 40 dead. In any case, Prime Minister Ariel Henry ordered three days of national mourning.
The island nation is struggling with massive fuel supply problems. In part, these go back to a week-long port blockade, for which gangs are held responsible who demand Henry’s resignation.
Haiti is the poorest country on the American continent and suffers from violence, corruption and natural disasters. At the beginning of July, President Jovenel Moise was shot in his residence, the background remains unclear to this day. Criminal gangs control large areas, especially around the capital Port-au-Prince.
Source: Nachrichten
