Stampede at Citadelle Laferriere in northern Haiti leaves at least 30 dead

At least 30 people died in a crowd crush on Saturday at the Citadelle Laferriere, a historical site in the municipality of Milot, northern Haiti. Jean Henry Petit, the head of civil protection for the northern department, confirmed the tragedy occurred during a large gathering of visitors. Most of the victims identified so far are reported to be young people. The UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 19th century by freed slaves, remains a significant symbol of Haitian independence. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime issued a statement on Facebook offering government condolences and promising solidarity with the families of the victims. Authorities have placed local services on high alert and have initiated an official investigation into the causes of the incident. This tragedy takes place against the backdrop of an ongoing multifaceted security, political, and humanitarian crisis in Haiti. In recent years, the country has also suffered from other mass casualty incidents, including fuel explosions in 2021 and 2024 and a devastating 2021 earthquake.