PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — At least 30 people were killed on Saturday after a stampede broke out at the Citadelle Laferrière, one of Haiti’s most iconic historical landmarks, authorities confirmed, warning that the death toll could still rise.
According to Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection for the country’s Nord Department, the incident occurred at the entrance of the mountaintop fortress as large crowds gathered for an annual celebration marking the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Citadelle Laferrière, built in the early 19th century shortly after Haiti gained independence from France, is a major tourist destination and cultural symbol. Officials said the site was filled with students and visitors attending the commemorative event when panic erupted, triggering the deadly surge.
Petit noted that heavy rain contributed to the chaos, making conditions more hazardous and complicating crowd movement at the already congested entrance. Emergency responders were deployed to the scene, with local authorities working to assist the injured and transport victims to nearby medical facilities. The identities of those killed have yet to be officially released.
In a statement, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed condolences to the victims’ families, saying 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 attending the event, though he did not provide an updated casualty figure.
The tragedy underscores ongoing challenges in managing large public gatherings in Haiti, where infrastructure limitations and emergency response constraints remain significant concerns. Authorities have yet to announce whether an official investigation will be conducted into possible lapses in crowd control or safety measures.
The incident also comes amid a broader crisis in Haiti, where escalating gang violence and instability have strained government resources and emergency services. In recent years, the country has endured multiple large-scale disasters, including a 2024 fuel tank explosion that killed dozens, a 2021 blast that left around 90 dead, and a devastating earthquake the same year that claimed approximately 2,000 lives.
Officials continue to monitor the situation at the Citadelle Laferrière as rescue and recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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