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, who also warned that the death toll could rise further.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the incident occurred 'during a tourist event attended by many young people' at the historic site located in Milot. He confirmed that an investigation is underway, and 'all relevant authorities' are mobilized to support those affected.
'Please allow me to express my sincere condolences to the affected families,' Fils-Aimé mentioned in a statement.
The gathering saw students and visitors flock to the site after the event — commemorating the founding of the 19th Century fortress — was widely advertised on social media. Unfortunately, reports indicate that the stampede began near the entrance to the site and was worsened by heavy rain.
Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper first reported on the death toll, although government statements did not confirm specific numbers.
The Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was commissioned by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti's independence from France. It took over a decade to construct and was essential in creating a network of fortifications to protect against attacks, eventually becoming a symbol of the nation's independence.
This tragic event adds to the backdrop of widespread gang violence that has claimed thousands of lives in Haiti.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the incident occurred 'during a tourist event attended by many young people' at the historic site located in Milot. He confirmed that an investigation is underway, and 'all relevant authorities' are mobilized to support those affected.
'Please allow me to express my sincere condolences to the affected families,' Fils-Aimé mentioned in a statement.
The gathering saw students and visitors flock to the site after the event — commemorating the founding of the 19th Century fortress — was widely advertised on social media. Unfortunately, reports indicate that the stampede began near the entrance to the site and was worsened by heavy rain.
Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper first reported on the death toll, although government statements did not confirm specific numbers.
The Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was commissioned by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti's independence from France. It took over a decade to construct and was essential in creating a network of fortifications to protect against attacks, eventually becoming a symbol of the nation's independence.
This tragic event adds to the backdrop of widespread gang violence that has claimed thousands of lives in Haiti.
