At least 25 people were killed and dozens injured after a stampede at Citadelle Laferrière, the mountaintop fortress near Milot popular with tourists, authorities said. The incident occurred during traditional festivities at the historic site and prompted an immediate emergency response.
Municipal officials in Cap-Haïtien reported numerous cases of asphyxiation, trampling and loss of consciousness. Many attendees were taken to hospitals and several people were reported missing. Local authorities said preliminary findings point to severe overcrowding and shortcomings in crowd management as the trigger for the crush.
The Haitian National Police opened an investigation and on Sunday updated the confirmed death toll to 25; autopsies were reported to be underway. Police said about 30 people remained hospitalized and urged the public to cooperate with investigators and avoid spreading rumors. Haiti’s government expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Some bodies remained at the site as officials continued their work.
Among the victims was a student who had earned a place on a school field trip for top performers. Her brother, Donaldson Jean, described how she had studied tirelessly to join the trip; he wept after carrying her covered body from the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the deadly stampede, and health facilities in the area are treating the injured while officials seek to account for those still missing.