SANTO DOMINGO: A devastating incident unfolded in the Dominican Republic as at least 13 migrants from Haiti lost their lives when the vehicle they were traveling in plunged into an irrigation canal, local authorities reported. The tragic accident occurred while the migrants were being transported illegally from Haiti to the city of Santiago and the capital Santo Domingo.
In a statement released by the police, it was revealed that the migrants were aboard a large four-wheel-drive SUV when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plummet into the canal. The accident resulted in the untimely deaths of a newborn and a four-year-old girl among others.
Reports indicate that the vehicle, believed to have been carrying between 16 and 18 passengers, had Haitian migrants seeking a better life in the Dominican Republic, which has faced an influx of migrants escaping Haiti’s dire economic and political circumstances.
While three survivors have been accounted for, the search for additional survivors continues. The identity and condition of the driver remain uncertain as they allegedly disappeared from the scene of the tragedy, as per the police statement.
Dominican Republic Toughens Immigration Policy
Haiti, grappling with economic challenges and political turmoil, has experienced a rise in gang violence, exacerbating its ongoing crisis. This dire situation has compelled many Haitians to seek refuge in the neighboring Dominican Republic, a more prosperous nation. However, the Dominican Republic has recently toughened its immigration policy in response to the influx.
In addition to adopting stricter immigration measures, Dominican authorities are erecting a 160-kilometer (100 mile) concrete barrier along the 380-kilometer border shared with Haiti to deter the entry of illegal migrants.
The incident sheds light on the perilous journey undertaken by migrants seeking a better future, often confronting harsh conditions and treacherous paths. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the challenges faced by vulnerable migrants.
