Montecristi vehicle accident injures 17 Haitians

At least 17 Haitian citizens, including five children aged between eight months and four years, were injured on Tuesday night when a vehicle crashed in the Montecristi province. The accident occurred on the road connecting to the municipality of Castañuelas, specifically in the Los Tres Puentes section, where the vehicle slid and struck an electrical pole.

Authorities reported that the passengers were allegedly being transported irregularly. Several occupants sustained serious injuries and were transferred to health centers in Castañuelas and Villa Vásquez. Emergency services and the National Police responded to the scene to provide assistance.

While no fatalities have been confirmed, the whereabouts of the driver remain unknown. Local residents noted that this route is frequently used for the irregular transport of Haitian citizens from the northern border toward provinces such as Santiago, Puerto Plata, and La Vega, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of those involved.