UPDATE - Around 60 killed in fuel truck explosion in Haiti

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; ADDS CONDOLENCES BY TURKEY; CHANGES THROUGHOUT; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK

By Merve Aydogan and Dilan Pamuk

ANKARA (AA) - Some 60 people were killed when a gasoline truck exploded in northern Haiti, officials said Tuesday.

Haiti Libre, a local media organ, earlier said dozens of wounded were also hospitalized after the late Monday explosion in the northern coastal city of Cap-Haitien.

Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor said, "We have now counted 60 deaths," adding that some of the wounded are in critical condition, and the death toll is continuing to rise.

He said an investigation into the explosion is ongoing.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry tweeted, “Three days of national mourning will be decreed throughout the territory, in memory of the victims of this tragedy that the entire Haitian nation is grieving.”

Claude Joseph, former premier of the Caribbean country, also said on Twitter: "I bow low to the families of the victims. I share the pain and sorrow of all the people around Cap."

Turkey also conveyed its condolences over the tragic incident in Haiti.

"We have learned with deep sorrow that more than 50 persons lost their lives due to a fuel truck explosion in the Haitian city of Cap-Haitien," said a Foreign Ministry statement.

Extending "sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, to the people and Government of Haiti," Turkey also wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.