Kenyan officer, civilian killed in Multinational Security Mission convoy crash
One of the vehicles was towing the other when it developed mechanical failure, triggering the crash at Perlerin 9.
A Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) officer and a civilian died on Sunday evening after a convoy accident along the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road in Haiti left eight others injured and three in critical condition.
In a statement on Monday, MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka said the incident occurred at around 5:00 pm during a recovery mission involving two MaxxPro vehicles. MaxxPro vehicles are the largest of the armoured vehicles that the United States donated for use by the mission.
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Ombaka explained that one of the vehicles was towing the other when it developed mechanical failure, triggering 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,” he said.
He confirmed that eight MSS officers were also injured in the accident. He added that three of the injured are in serious condition and require medical evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialised treatment after initial care at the Aspen Level 2 Hospital at the LSA 2.
The spokesperson extended condolences to the affected families, saying the mission was deeply saddened 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,” Ombaka said.
The Kenya National Police Service on Monday confirmed the death of the Kenyan police officer alongside a civilian.
This is the second time in just over a week that the security effort in Haiti has been struck by tragedy. Less than two weeks ago, two members of the Haiti National Police SWAT unit were killed when a “kamikaze” drone exploded at their location, while two other officers were injured.
The mission has also lost two of its members in recent gang ambushes; one has been confirmed dead, while the other remains missing despite local media reports that he was killed.
Images shared online after Sunday’s crash showed Haitians on the mountaintop road rushing to help with rescue efforts. The collision reportedly caused traffic to come to a standstill, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
“MSS extends its gratitude to members of the local community who immediately assisted in rescue efforts,” the mission said.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti is led by Kenya but is also involving personnel from several countries such as Jamaica, Bahamas, Guyana, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad.
Other countries, such as the United States, Canada, France, Spain, and Italy, have come in handy by issuing out financial and logistical support through a UN Trust Fund for Haiti.
The Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti is considered an international police and military force approved by the United Nations Security Council on October 2, 2023, to assist the government of Haiti in restoring law and order amid worsening civil strife and gang violence since 2018.
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