At least 30 people died in a crush at Citadelle Laferriere as crowds gathered for an annual festival at Haiti's famous landmark.
The incident occurred on April 11, 2026, near the entrance of the fortress, where a large number of locals and tourists converged at the same time. According to the local civil protection agency, heavy rain made the situation more chaotic, leading to the stampede.
Jean Henri Petit stated that the casualty count could continue to rise as rescue teams search for those still missing.
Citadelle Laferriere, built in the early 19th century after Haiti gained independence, is a major attraction for tourists and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Alix Didier Fils-Aime expressed condolences to the victims' families, noting that many young people were present at the event when the tragedy struck.
Haiti's Ministry of Culture confirmed the initial death toll at 30, while the injured are currently receiving treatment. Rescue operations are ongoing at the scene.
The incident comes as Haiti faces prolonged challenges, including security instability and major disasters in recent years.
