Tragic Stampede at Haitian Tourist Site Claims Lives

Mon Apr 13 2026 23:23:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A stampede during an annual Easter event at Haiti's Laferrière Citadel has left at least 30 people feared dead, sparking an investigation and widespread condolences from the government.

A tragic incident occurred at the Laferrière Citadel in Milot, Haiti, during an Easter gathering, resulting in a stampede that is feared to have killed at least 30 individuals. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé confirmed the ongoing investigation and expressed condolences to the victims' families. The incident was exacerbated by heavy rain, and many young attendees were present as the site was heavily publicized on social media.

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, as confirmed by Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department. He warned that the death toll could yet rise.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the event, attended by many young people, took place in the northern town of Milot. An investigation has been launched, and all relevant authorities have been mobilized to support those affected.

The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the affected families in a statement, saying that the site had become congested with students and visitors after the event commemorating the fortress's founding was advertised on social media.

The stampede reportedly began near the entrance to the site and was compounded by heavy rain.

Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper was the first to report the death toll, citing Petit, though government statements did not confirm specific numbers.

The Citadelle Laferrière, built by revolutionary Henri Christophe after Haiti gained independence, is a historical symbol and took over a decade to construct. It was vital to a network of fortifications designed to protect the nascent Caribbean nation against attacks.

This deadly incident occurs amid widespread gang violence in Haiti, leading to thousands of deaths in recent times.