Stampede Kills At Least 30 at Haiti's Laferriere Citadel During Annual Celebration

At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at Haiti's Laferriere Citadel during an annual celebration.

“According to local media, the place was crowded with students and visitors after the annual Easter gathering was promoted on social media”

Agenzia Nova

The stampede occurred at the entrance and was exacerbated by heavy rain, according to Jean Henri Petit.

Al Jazeera

Prime Minister Fils-Aime extended his sincere condolences and noted many young people were in attendance.

Death toll estimates varied, with Al Jazeera citing a higher toll of 41 based on hospital counts.

Rescue operations continued as authorities searched for missing persons and treated the injured.

The stampede occurred during a youth gathering promoted by social media influencers.

Authorities said the number of attendees far exceeded the site's capacity.

AnewZ

Only one access point was open for both entry and exit, creating severe congestion.

People began pushing, some fell, and others trampled over them.

Heavy rain and slippery conditions may have worsened the situation.

Citadelle Laferriere was commissioned by Haitian revolutionary Henri Christophe after the Haitian Revolution.

The fort has become a symbol of Haitian independence and sovereignty.

The deadly stampede comes as Haiti grapples with widespread gang violence.

The island nation has also been the site of various disasters in recent years.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to Haiti.