PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The principal public hospital in Haiti has suffered another devastating blow as it was set ablaze on Thursday following a series of violent gang attacks. This incident marks a significant setback for one of the nation’s critical healthcare institutions.

Dr. Prince Sonson Pierre, the hospital’s general director, confirmed the fire during an interview. He expressed his concern about the situation, stating he had contacted law enforcement in hopes they could secure the hospital’s premises to prevent further damage. “It’s quite tragic for a nation struggling with inadequate medical services to witness its main hospital going up in flames,” he lamented.

This hospital is situated in a perilous area of downtown Port-au-Prince, dominated by a gang consortium known as Viv Ansanm, which had forced its closure last year. After police units managed to root out the armed groups from the vicinity, the government signaled plans to reopen the General Hospital last December. A press conference launched this initiative took place on Christmas Eve, attended by politicians, law enforcement officials, and media representatives.

However, during the announcement event, gunfire erupted as assailants claimed they had not sanctioned the hospital’s reopening. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two journalists and a police officer, while injuring at least seven members of the press, an incident deemed one of the most severe assaults on Haitian media in recent times. This shocking event ultimately led to the dismissal of the health minister from their position.