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Stampede at historic Haitian fortress leaves dozens dead
At least 30 people are feared to have died in a stampede at Haiti's Laferrière Citadel on Saturday, authorities confirmed. The tragedy unfolded during an annual Easter gathering at the UNESCO-listed site, with officials warning the death toll may climb further.
Chaos erupts amid heavy rain
Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department, said the crush began near the entrance of the fortress. Witnesses reported the situation worsened as heavy rain began, creating slippery conditions and panic among the crowd.
Local media, citing officials, said the event had drawn large numbers of students and visitors after being promoted on social media. The gathering commemorated the founding of the 19th-century fortress, a symbol of Haitian resistance and independence.
Government responds, launches probe
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced an investigation into the incident, mobilizing "all relevant authorities" to assist victims and their families. In a statement, he expressed the government's "sincere condolences" to those affected.
The initial death toll was first reported by Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper, citing Petit. The government's statement did not confirm the number of fatalities.
Historic site marred by tragedy
Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was built by revolutionary leader Henri Christophe after Haiti secured independence from France in 1804. Construction of the massive fortress took over a decade and was part of a network designed to defend the young nation from foreign attacks.
The site, perched atop a mountain in northern Haiti, has long been a major tourist attraction and a source of national pride. Saturday's event was meant to celebrate its legacy, but instead became one of the deadliest incidents in recent Haitian history.
Crisis deepens amid gang violence
The stampede adds to Haiti's mounting challenges, as the country reels from escalating gang violence that has claimed thousands of lives. The government has struggled to restore order, with armed groups controlling large swaths of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond.
Officials have not yet indicated whether security failures contributed to the disaster, but the incident underscores the broader instability gripping the nation.
