At least 30 individuals lost their lives during a stampede in the northern region of Haiti on Saturday, with authorities expressing concerns that the death toll may climb further. Jean Henri Petit, who heads Civil Protection in Haiti’s Nord Department, reported that the stampede took place at the Laferriere Citadel, a fortress constructed in the early 19th century shortly after Haiti gained independence from France.
The fortress, a popular tourist attraction in Haiti, was bustling with students and visitors attending the annual UNESCO World Heritage site celebration on Saturday, Petit mentioned. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the affected families and affirmed his unwavering support during this period of mourning and distress.
Notably, a significant number of young people were present during the Citadel’s festivities, although specific details regarding the casualties remain undisclosed in the prime minister’s statement. Petit highlighted that the stampede transpired at the site’s entrance, worsened by the rainy conditions. This tragic incident adds to the challenges faced by Haiti, including rampant gang violence leading to civilian massacres and a surge in deadly actions by security forces.
Haiti has grappled with multiple calamities in recent times, including a fuel tank explosion in 2024 claiming two dozen lives, another fatal fuel tank blast in 2021 resulting in 90 fatalities, and an earthquake in the same year causing the death of around 2,000 individuals.