Haiti declares national mourning for victims of Miragoâne fuel tanker explosion

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Prime Minister Garry Conille’s government and the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) have declared Sept. 23-25 days of national mourning. This is to honor the victims of the tragic fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Sept. 14 in Miragoâne, the capital city of the Nippes department, about 60 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince. The decision was made Wednesday during a Council of Ministers meeting. 

Emmanuel Pierre, director general of Haiti’s Civil Protection Office, confirmed that the death toll has risen from 24 previously reported to 31, with four victims succumbing to their injuries in the hospital.

Pierre said that the government facilitated the evacuation of dozens of injured individuals by helicopter to hospitals in Port-au-Prince and has vowed to support the families of the deceased in organizing funerals.

“The government is also committed to supporting the families of those injured, ensuring they receive necessary medical care for burns sustained in the explosion,” Pierre added.

This tragedy, reminiscent of a similar tanker explosion in Cap-Haitien in December 2021, has prompted widespread sympathy from both the public and prominent figures in Haiti. In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Conille announced plans for Haiti to acquire its own fleet of helicopters to enhance emergency response capabilities and protect citizens’ lives.

Despite this announcement, details regarding the acquisition and maintenance of these helicopters remain unconfirmed. The lack of aerial response capability has been a critical issue, as highlighted by the recent death of a SWAT officer who could not be transported to a hospital in Port-au-Prince following an injury during an anti-gang operation in Gressier.

Following a council of ministers meeting, the TPC and the Haitian government reiterated their commitment to taking necessary measures to promote the rule of law in Haiti. They emphasized their determination to restore national dignity, hold elections, and ensure the proper functioning of the country’s institutions.

As the nation mourns, the government’s response and promises for future improvements remain under scrutiny. Calls for concrete action to prevent similar tragedies are also being made, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in Haiti’s emergency preparedness.

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