30 Killed In Stampede At Haiti’s Historic Laferriere Citadel, Death Toll May Rise

Last Updated:April 12, 2026, 09:27 IST

At least 30 died in a stampede at Haiti's Citadelle Laferriere during annual celebration, rain and heavy congestion blamed.

At least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the Citadelle Laferrière in northern Haiti on Saturday, after large crowds gathered for an annual celebration at the historic fortress, authorities said.

The incident took place near the entrance of the early 19th-century site—constructed soon after Haiti gained independence from France—according to Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection for the Nord Department, Reuters reported.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, in the north of the island nation, was crowded with students and visitors attending the yearly event. Petit said heavy congestion, worsened by rainfall, caused the situation to spiral quickly out of control.

In a statement, Haiti’s acting Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said he “extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of his profound solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering."

He added that “many young people" were among those present, though officials have not confirmed victims’ identities or release a detailed casualty breakdown yet. Emergency teams remain at the scene, with authorities warning the death toll may rise as more information becomes available.

News world 30 Killed In Stampede At Haiti’s Historic Laferriere Citadel, Death Toll May Rise

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