At least 30 feared dead in crush at Haitian tourist site

At least 30 feared dead in crush at Haitian tourist site

Stampede at Laferrière Citadel during Easter event raises concerns

A minimum of 30 individuals are believed to have lost their lives in a crowd incident at a prominent tourist attraction in Haiti over the weekend. The event unfolded at Laferrière Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to Jean Henri Petit, who leads the civil protection efforts in the Nord department. He cautioned that the casualty count might increase further as investigations continue.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé described the event as a gathering that drew “numerous young attendees” at the historic site in the northern town of Milot. The government has initiated a probe and activated “all relevant agencies” to assist those impacted. In a statement, Fils-Aimé expressed condolences to the families affected, emphasizing the nation’s solidarity during the crisis.

“The incident occurred during a tourist event attended by many young people,” stated the Prime Minister, highlighting the role of the gathering in the tragedy.

Local media sources reported that the site had drawn large crowds following the event’s promotion on social platforms. The chaos reportedly began near the entrance, worsened by sudden downpours that disrupted the flow of attendees. Haiti’s Le Nouvelliste newspaper first disclosed the death toll, citing information from Petit.

Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was constructed by revolutionary leader Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti achieved independence from France. The fortress required over a decade to complete and formed a vital defense system against potential invasions. Today, it stands as a symbol of national sovereignty and historical resilience.

The tragic stampede occurs amid ongoing challenges from widespread gang violence, which has claimed thousands of lives across the country. As authorities work to uncover the full extent of the incident, questions remain about safety measures at such events.