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, according to Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department. He warned the death toll could rise.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the incident occurred during a tourist event attended by many young people in the northern town of Milot. An investigation has been initiated, and all relevant authorities have been mobilized to support those affected.
In his statement, Fils-Aimé expressed his condolences to the affected families as the community mourns the tragic loss. Local media reported that the site had been packed with students and visitors after the event commemorating the fortress's founding was heavily promoted on social media.
The chaos was reportedly initiated near the entrance of the site and intensified due to heavy rainfall.
According to Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper, Petit first reported the estimated death toll, although the government's statement did not confirm the number of deaths.
Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was constructed by Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence from France. The fortress took over a decade to build and served as a vital stronghold against potential attacks, eventually becoming a symbol of national pride.
This heartbreaking event occurs as Haiti continues to struggle with widespread gang violence and civil unrest, leading to thousands of casualties.
