Kenyan officer, civilian die in Haiti convoy crash involving MSS troops
MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka said the accident occurred around 5pm during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro vehicles, the heaviest of the armoured carriers donated by the United States for the mission.
A Kenyan officer serving in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and a civilian were killed on Sunday evening after a convoy crash along the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road in Haiti, which also left eight others injured, three of them critically.
In a statement on Monday, MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka said the accident occurred around 5pm during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro vehicles, the heaviest of the armoured carriers donated by the United States for the mission.
He explained that one vehicle was towing the other when it developed mechanical problems, causing the crash at Perlerin 9.
“The accident, unfortunately, also involved civilians. The injured personnel were rushed to the Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville, where one MSS officer and a civilian were pronounced dead,” Ombaka said.
He confirmed that eight officers sustained injuries in the incident, adding that three of them remain in serious condition and will require evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialised treatment after receiving initial care at the Aspen Level 2 Hospital at the LSA 2.
Ombaka expressed condolences to the families of those affected, saying the mission was deeply shaken by the tragedy.
“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,” he said.
The crash marks the latest setback for the security effort in Haiti, which has recently faced a string of deadly incidents. Less than two weeks ago, two Haiti National Police SWAT officers were killed when a “kamikaze” drone exploded at their position, while two others were injured.
The mission has also lost two of its members in gang attacks — one confirmed dead and another still missing despite reports that he was killed.
Images that circulated after Sunday’s crash showed residents rushing to the accident scene on the mountain road to help with rescues. The collision blocked traffic for hours, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
“MSS extends its gratitude to members of the local community who immediately assisted in rescue efforts,” the statement read.
