During the night of 13 December 2021, a tanker truck carrying petroleum products had a traffic accident in the Cap-Haitien city. Some people took the opportunity to collect fuel from the truck when the explosion occurred causing many victims and significant material damage.

Estimations by the Haitian Directorate General for Civil Protection (DGPC) indicate that 61 people died, the latter number may vary, as the assessment has not concluded yet. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)PAHO, there are about 47 wounded out of which 20 with critic level of burns.

The Ministry of Health (MSPP) has deployed 7 medical staff to Cap-Haitien and the DGPC is deploying 2 field hospitals. The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), the Haitian Air Ambulance and the Haitian Emergency Response Operations (HERO) have been mobilized for transportation purposes.

Humanitarian partners are supporting local emergency care providers who report a need for medical personnel and supplies to treat severe burns. Remaining needs include specialized health care for burned patients, primary health care, medical supply and medicines; transport of patients, health staff and medical supply; food, water and shelter for affected population.