Gas tanker truck ignites in central Haiti, killing 9

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti _ A tanker truck filled with fuel has exploded in a central Haitian town, killing nine people and leaving over 20 with serious burns.

Witnesses say the truck was preparing to deliver fuel at a gas station in Hinche. It ignited after spilling fuel that spread to street food vendors tending small grill fires.

Interim President Jocelerme Privert issued a statement Friday calling on authorities to quickly investigate the explosion. His office put the death toll at nine.

The town is one of many Haitian settlements with no fire department, so U.N. peacekeepers had to put out the blaze.

Haiti’s civil defence office says several homes near the charred gas station were damaged by the flames. At least 20 motorbikes and several cars were also destroyed.