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Deadly Stampede
At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at Haiti's Laferrière Citadel during an annual Easter gathering.
Only one entrance was available, leading to a scuffle between those trying to enter and those trying to exit.
The stampede was exacerbated by heavy rain, causing people to slip and fall.
Jean Henri Petit confirmed the death toll and warned it could rise due to missing persons.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed immense sadness and extended sincere condolences.
The fortress is a symbol of Haitian independence.
Chaos and Conflicting Reports
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as crowds surged and people fell.
Local media reported rumors that police had used tear gas, which allegedly caused panic.
The Citadelle Laferrière was closed until further notice as an investigation was launched.
The death toll varied slightly across sources.
The government mobilized all relevant authorities to provide assistance.
Historical Significance and Aftermath
The Citadelle Laferrière is a symbol of Haitian sovereignty.
The fortress appears on Haitian currency and postage stamps.
The deadly stampede comes as Haiti grapples with widespread gang violence.
The tragedy has raised urgent questions about crowd management and safety measures.
Haiti has frequently struggled with infrastructure and emergency response limitations.
