At least 59 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a gas tanker exploded in the nation’s second-largest city, Cap-Haitien

The city’s deputy mayor says the situation is critical as he appeals for an urgent increase in blood donations.

In addition to the fatalities, nearly 50 houses have also been impacted by the fire and most of them will need to be demolished.

The deputy mayor says the city “will need a lot of help to come out of this tragedy” and is still waiting for the central government to step up.

Medical officials are also appealing to the public for blood donations.

Haiti’s prime minister has responded to the incident via Twitter, tweeting “I learned the sad news of the explosion…about forty dead, dozens injured, as well as extensive material damage.”

Local authorities are continuing rescue efforts and warn that the death toll is expected to rise.