Heavily armed gangs in Haiti have attacked the elite neighborhood of Kenscoff, killing at least 40 people.

Mayor Jean Massillon blamed the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, saying gunmen are going home to home, indiscriminately opening fire.

The dead include pastors, teachers, and children, with the true toll expected to be higher as authorities struggle to access certain areas.

Many victims are working-class farmers, and the attack has left over 1,660 people homeless.

Gangs already control 85% of Port-au-Prince, and the UN recently warned they could overrun the capital, the Associated Press has reported.

A police union said the attack “could have been avoided” with better equipment and intelligence support.

Written by B.C. Begley