At least 30 dead in Haiti stampede at Laferriere Citadel

At least 30 people died in a stampede at the Laferriere Citadel in northern Haiti on Saturday during an annual UNESCO World Heritage celebration.

The incident occurred at the entrance to the fortress, which was crowded with students and visitors attending the event.

Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection for Haiti's Nord Department, confirmed the death toll and warned it could rise.

Heavy rain reportedly worsened the situation, contributing to the chaos at the entrance.

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed his condolences to the families affected and assured them of his solidarity during this difficult time.

He noted that many young people were in attendance, though it remains unclear who exactly died.

The Laferriere Citadel is an early-19th-century fortress built shortly after Haiti's independence from France.

It is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions and a significant cultural landmark.

The annual celebration draws many young people and visitors to the site, highlighting its importance in Haitian heritage and tourism.

The stampede's occurrence during this event underscores the challenges of managing large crowds in such settings.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the stampede.

The disaster has raised concerns about safety measures at major public events in Haiti, especially at historic sites that attract large numbers of people.

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