At least 30 people have lost their lives following a mass stampede at the Citadelle Laferrière in Haiti.
Operative Information Center-OMM, citing foreign media, reports that local authorities have warned the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Jean Henry Petit, the head of Civil Protection for Haiti's North Department, stated that the 19th-century fortress was crowded with students and visitors who had gathered to commemorate the annual anniversary of the site's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. According to Petit, the stampede occurred at the entrance of the mountaintop venue, and heavy rainfall further exacerbated the scale of the disaster.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims in an official statement. He emphasized that the tragedy occurred during a tourism-related activity involving a large number of young people. The government noted that relevant agencies have been placed on maximum alert to provide assistance to the victims and their families. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to remain calm while investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
This disaster occurs against a backdrop of persistent gang violence in Haiti, which has led to numerous civilian casualties. The island nation has faced several severe catastrophes in recent years, including a devastating earthquake in 2021 that claimed nearly 2,000 lives and multiple fuel tanker explosions that resulted in dozens of deaths.
The Citadelle Laferrière, located on the Bonnet à l’Evêque mountain, is one of the largest fortresses in the Americas and serves as a symbol of Haitian independence. Built in the early 19th century by Henri Christophe, a leader of the Haitian slave rebellion, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. It remains a primary destination for both domestic and international tourists, representing the nation's historical resilience despite ongoing socio-political challenges.
