At least 62 people were killed by a tanker explosion in Haiti, according to a new account of the tragedy, which also injured 48 people, many of whom are in critical condition.
The tragedy unfolded in Cap-Haitien, the second largest city in the Caribbean country.
According to Patrick Almonor, the deputy mayor of Cap-Haitien, the driver of the tanker attempted to avoid a collision with a motorcycle, losing control of his vehicle which overturned.
Residents in the area then rushed to the truck, despite the driver's warnings, to collect the fuel. An explosion followed in which many were killed.
Rescue operations, which are ongoing, have recovered 62 victims, Almonor said.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henri announced on Twitter that he would visit the area, "accompanied by members of his government and a significant number of doctors and rescuers." He also declared three days of national mourning in "memory of the victims of this tragedy that has plunged the entire Haitian nation into mourning."
Some 40 houses around the perimeter of the blast site caught fire after the ignition, according to the deputy mayor, with authorities expressing fears that the toll will be heavier.
"We are not yet in a position to give details on the number of victims inside the houses," he said."
Identification of the victims is expected to take time. "It is impossible to identify them" at this time, Almonor noted, because of the extensive burns.
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