At least 30 killed in stampede at Haiti’s historic fortress

April 12, 2026 / 10:51 AM

Sharjah24/Reuters: At least 30 people were killed on Saturday in a stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière in northern Haiti, according to local authorities. The site, a major tourist attraction dating back to the early 19th century, was crowded with visitors and students attending annual celebrations.

Crowding and weather worsened the situation

Officials said the incident occurred at the entrance to the fortress. Heavy rainfall contributed to the chaos, making conditions more dangerous and intensifying the crush of people. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise.

Government response and condolences

Haiti’s Prime Minister expressed condolences to the victims’ families, noting that many young people were among those present. The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

A site of national and global importance

The Citadelle Laferrière is one of Haiti’s most famous landmarks and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built shortly after the country gained independence from France.

The incident adds to a series of tragedies in Haiti in recent years, including deadly fuel tank explosions and a major earthquake that killed around 2,000 people in 2021.