MEXICO CITY - A tanker truck exploded in southwestern Haiti on Saturday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 40 others, regional civil protection authorities said

Initial reports reveal that the explosion occurred as people were attempting to illegally collect fuel from the tanker following an accident in the Calbassier area of the Nippes department.

Many of the injured, who were taken to a local hospital for treatment, were in critical condition, said officials.

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Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille said on social media that civil protection and public health teams are assisting the victims.

"The government stands in solidarity with the victims and their families and is arranging helicopter evacuations," said Conille.