One dead in Haiti market shooting
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-01 09:35

A fire burned through a large market in Haiti's capital Tuesday moments after a gun fight erupted that killed at least one man, officials said. U.N. peacekeepers rushed to evacuate the area.

Firefighters and a large water truck struggled to put out flames engulfing vending stalls at the Ox Head market in downtown Port-au-Prince. About 50 peacekeepers cordoned off the area and helped with the evacuation.

A young man lies dead following a shooting and fire at a large market in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Wednesday, May 31, 2005. Witness said gunmen opened fire and killing at least one man.[AP]

A man with a bullet wound to his head lay dead at the market's entrance. Residents said he had been killed by armed men who stormed through the market, firing guns. Vendors said they heard an explosion before the fire erupted.

A U.N. Brazilian peacekeeper guards during a fire at a market in Port-au-Prince,Haiti on Wednesday, May 31, 2005. [AP]

Emilson Branche, 39, emerged from the market with severely burned forearms. He said he saw the bodies of several dead people inside. However, U.N. soldiers said they couldn't confirm that report.

It was unclear who attacked the market or what started the fire, which also spread to the roof of a nearby police station.

Haitian police and a 7,400-member U.N. peacekeeping force have struggled to control violence since the February 2004 rebellion that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

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