Stampede at Haiti’s Citadelle Laferrière leaves at least 30 dead

Sunday 12 April 2026 - 12:00

A deadly crowd stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière in northern Haiti has left at least 30 people dead during traditional celebrations held on Saturday, April 11. The incident occurred at one of the country’s most visited heritage sites, located near Cap-Haïtien and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage location.

According to local authorities, the tragedy unfolded when a large number of people gathered for a cultural event at the fortress. The site, situated in a mountainous area, has limited access points, and only one main entrance was reportedly available at the time.

Tensions rose as crowds attempted to both enter and exit the venue simultaneously, leading to a sudden and dangerous congestion. The situation quickly escalated into a fatal stampede.

Emergency services were deployed to assist the injured, while rescue teams continued searching for individuals who were still missing. Officials confirmed that several people were hospitalized, and the death toll may increase as operations continue.

The Haitian Ministry of Culture and Communication stated that the site has been temporarily closed and that a full investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Government representatives are expected to visit the area to coordinate response efforts.

Authorities have also expressed concern over crowd control and safety measures at major public events, especially in historically sensitive and geographically constrained locations.