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, according to Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department, who warned that the death toll could still rise.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé reported that the incident occurred 'during a tourist event attended by many young people' in the northern town of Milot.
In the wake of the tragedy, an investigation has been launched, and 'all relevant authorities' were mobilized to support those affected.
The government has expressed its condolences to the families impacted by this disaster.
The memorial event drew large crowds of students and visitors, as it celebrated the founding of the 19th Century fortress, which had been heavily promoted on social media.
Reports indicate that the stampede began near the entrance to the site and was worsened by sudden heavy rains.
Local media initially reported the death toll, citing Petit, although the government statement did not confirm specific numbers.
Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was constructed by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence from France. This stronghold took over a decade to complete and served as a vital fortification to shield the newly independent nation from potential attacks, ultimately standing as a symbol of Haitian freedom.
This tragic incident unfolds against a backdrop of persistent gang violence in Haiti, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
