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, as reported by Jean Henri Petit, the head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department, who warned that the death toll may rise.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the crush occurred during a tourist event attended mainly by young people in the northern town of Milot. An investigation has been initiated, and all relevant authorities have been mobilized to provide support to those affected. The government extended its sincere condolences to the grieving families.
The Citadelle Laferrière was bustling with students and visitors after the event, which celebrated the fortress's founding in the 19th Century, had been heavily promoted on social media.
Reports indicate that the stampede began near the entrance of the site and was worsened by sudden heavy rain. Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper first reported the death toll, as officials cited with Petit for the figures.
Constructed by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence, Citadelle Laferrière is an emblem of Haitian heritage and resilience. The tragic incident further casts a shadow over a nation already struggling with rampant gang violence that has resulted in countless fatalities.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the crush occurred during a tourist event attended mainly by young people in the northern town of Milot. An investigation has been initiated, and all relevant authorities have been mobilized to provide support to those affected. The government extended its sincere condolences to the grieving families.
The Citadelle Laferrière was bustling with students and visitors after the event, which celebrated the fortress's founding in the 19th Century, had been heavily promoted on social media.
Reports indicate that the stampede began near the entrance of the site and was worsened by sudden heavy rain. Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper first reported the death toll, as officials cited with Petit for the figures.
Constructed by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence, Citadelle Laferrière is an emblem of Haitian heritage and resilience. The tragic incident further casts a shadow over a nation already struggling with rampant gang violence that has resulted in countless fatalities.
