Stampede at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière Leaves at Least 30 Dead
A stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière in Haiti resulted in at least 30 fatalities during an annual celebration, with authorities warning the death toll may rise.
At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière on Saturday, according to authorities, who cautioned that the death toll could increase.
Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection for Haiti's Nord Department, reported that the incident occurred at the early 19th-century fortress during an annual celebration attended by students and visitors.
The Citadelle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, is one of Haiti's most popular tourist attractions.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of his profound solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering.
Petit noted that the stampede occurred at the entrance to the site and that rain further exacerbated the disaster.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with several dozen injured individuals receiving medical care and a search underway for any missing persons.