At least 25 people were killed in a stampede at the Citadelle Laferriere, a prominent 19th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Haiti, officials confirmed Sunday. The incident occurred Saturday during an annual Easter event that drew a large crowd, including many young visitors.
Culture Minister Emmanuel Menard reported that dozens more were injured and are receiving medical treatment, while rescue teams continue to search for missing persons. “The injured are currently receiving the necessary medical care, and a rescue team is searching for any missing persons,” Menard told AFP.
Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti’s Nord department, warned that the death toll could increase as investigations proceed. On Sunday, authorities were conducting autopsies on the victims.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime described the tragedy as occurring during a “tourist activity bringing together many young people.” He announced a government-led investigation and mobilization of all relevant agencies to support those affected. The government has urged calm and caution as it examines the exact circumstances behind the stampede.
The Haitian National Police confirmed it has opened an inquiry into the cause of the crush. Early reports indicate that visitors were crowded near a single entrance when a scuffle broke out between those trying to enter and exit the site. Some local media attributed the event’s large attendance to promotions shared on TikTok.
Due to the tragedy, the Citadelle Laferriere has been closed to the public “until further notice,” according to Culture Minister Menard.
Witnesses described horrific scenes at the fortress, with victims’ bodies remaining on site hours after the incident. A grieving family member told the Associated Press that his sister, a student who earned a spot on a school field trip, was among the deceased.
Why it matters
The Citadelle Laferriere holds significant cultural and historical importance as a symbol of Haitian independence, built after the country gained freedom from France. The stampede not only represents a tragic loss of life but also highlights challenges in crowd management and safety at major heritage tourism sites in Haiti.
Background
The fortress, perched on a mountaintop in the town of Milot, is one of the largest fortifications in the Americas and a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. The annual Easter gathering at the site had attracted many young people this year, contributing to the large crowd present at the time of the stampede.
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