PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (BN24) — An accident involving two armored vehicles in Haiti killed a Kenyan police officer and a civilian and injured eight other officers from the UN-backed multinational security mission, officials said Monday.
The incident occurred Sunday evening at approximately 5 p.m. along the Kenscoff-Pétion-Ville road at Perlerin 9, a mountainous route in the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince.
Jack Ombaka, spokesman for the Multinational Security Support mission, said the accident happened during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro vehicles when one developed mechanical problems while towing the other.
“The incident occurred during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro vehicles. While one vehicle was towing the other, it developed mechanical problems leading to the incident. The accident, unfortunately, also involved civilians,” Ombaka said in a statement.
Eight MSS officers were injured in the accident, with three in critical condition. The critically injured officers were first treated at the Aspen Level 2 Hospital at LSA 2 before being airlifted to the Dominican Republic for specialized medical care.
The MSS officer and civilian were pronounced dead upon arrival at Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville.
“The MSS extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as with the injured, as they recover,” Ombaka said.
The fatality brings to three the number of Kenyan police officers killed in Haiti since the mission began more than a year ago. One previous officer was killed in a gang attack, and another remains missing and is presumed dead.
The Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti is led by Kenya and involves personnel from several countries, including Jamaica, Bahamas, Guyana, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad.
Other countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Spain, and Italy, have provided financial and logistical support through a UN Trust Fund for Haiti.
The mission was approved by the United Nations Security Council on October 2, 2023, to assist the Haitian government in restoring law and order amid worsening civil strife and gang violence that has plagued the country since 2018.
The international police and military force was deployed to help combat powerful gangs that control large portions of Haiti’s territory and have contributed to widespread violence and instability.
The accident occurred along a challenging mountainous road that connects the capital with outlying areas, terrain that poses logistical difficulties for the international forces operating in the country.
Haiti has been struggling with a security crisis as armed gangs have gained control over significant portions of the country, leading to displacement of civilians and hampering humanitarian aid delivery.
The multinational mission represents the international community’s latest effort to help stabilize Haiti after years of political turmoil, economic collapse, and escalating violence that has made it one of the most dangerous countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Sunday’s accident underscores the operational challenges facing international forces deployed to Haiti, where difficult terrain, poor infrastructure, and security threats create hazardous working conditions for mission personnel.
The mission continues its operations despite the setback, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to supporting Haiti’s efforts to restore security and stability to the troubled Caribbean nation.
