In brief
At least 30 individuals are feared dead after a stampede occurred during a popular tourist event at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière. The incident took place amid heavy rainfall and a large gathering of visitors and students, leading to a chaotic situation at the historic site. The Haitian Prime Minister has expressed condolences and stated that all relevant authorities are being mobilized to provide assistance and support for the bereaved families.
At least 30 people are feared to have been killed in a stampede at a popular tourist site in Haiti on Saturday.
The incident took place during an annual Easter gathering at the Laferrière Citadel, a Unesco World Heritage site, Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department, stated, warning the death toll could yet rise.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé noted that the incident occurred during a tourist event attended by many young people in the northern town of Milot.
He confirmed that an investigation had been launched and that all relevant authorities are mobilized to assist those affected.
The government sends its sincere condolences to the affected families, Fils-Aimé said in a statement.
According to local media reports, the site was crowded with students and visitors after the event—commemorating the 19th Century fortress's founding—was advertised on social media.
The stampede began near the entrance to the site and worsened due to heavy rainfall.
Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper first reported the death toll, citing Petit, while the government statement did not specify how many had died.
Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was established by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence from France. The fortress took over a decade to construct and served a crucial role in protecting the new Caribbean nation from attacks, symbolizing Haitian independence.
The deadly stampede adds to the ongoing crises in Haiti, particularly related to the widespread gang violence that has resulted in thousands of deaths.
