A serious accident occurred Friday evening in Kenscoff, a mountainous commune southeast of Port-au-Prince. Two armored vehicles of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) were involved during a recovery operation. A MaxxPro vehicle struck a wall while towing another armored vehicle. The second vehicle then overturned.
The preliminary toll reports multiple fatalities and several critically injured individuals. The MSS has not yet released exact figures. Officials noted that the victims could include both civilians and personnel of the mission. The injured were immediately transported to Aspen Level 2 Hospital at the LSA1 logistical base in Port-au-Prince, according to the MSS official WhatsApp channel.
In its statement, the MSS expressed gratitude to the residents of Kenscoff. Locals rushed to provide immediate assistance during the rescue efforts. “We thank the local community for their immediate and courageous support,” the mission stated.
The MSS also announced that an internal investigation would be launched. The goal is to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and evaluate safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A Climate of Major Insecurity
The accident comes amid a period of heightened insecurity in Haiti. For months, the MSS—backed by the United Nations and supported logistically by the United States—has assisted the Haitian National Police (PNH) in combating armed gangs. These gangs control large portions of the capital and surrounding areas.
The United Nations reports that more than 1.3 million Haitians have already been displaced by violence. Half of them are children. Rival gang clashes, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians continue to drive mass displacement. As a result, humanitarian needs in the country are critical.
In this context, the presence of multinational forces is seen as vital to stabilizing the country. However, the accident underscores the dangers faced by deployed troops. They operate in a challenging environment with poor infrastructure and ongoing violence.
The United States and Panama have introduced a UN resolution to transform the multinational force into a UN mission. It would include 5,500 troops and 50 civilian personnel.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti responded to the news of the accident. “We are deeply saddened by the accident involving MSS vehicles,” the embassy wrote on its Facebook page. “Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of those who died.”
This is not the first time international forces in Haiti have been involved in accidents. Past military and logistical operations have faced transport-related incidents or armed clashes. Such events often fuel public distrust, as residents call for protection while fearing possible abuses.
The Kenscoff accident renews concerns about the mission’s ability to operate safely. Human rights organizations stress that foreign forces must not increase civilian vulnerability.
Challenges Ahead
The MSS, led primarily by Kenya with U.S. logistical and financial support, is under significant pressure. Gang violence continues to paralyze parts of the country, and expectations for the mission are high.
Friday’s accident may further complicate operations. It highlights the complexity of operating in a country with fragile road, medical, and institutional infrastructure. The MSS has pledged to release further information once the toll is confirmed and families have been notified.
