Port au Prince : Haiti has declared three days of national mourning after at least 25 people died in a tragic stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière, one of the country’s most important landmarks.
The incident happened on April 11 during a large public gathering that drew students, families and visitors from different parts of the country. Witnesses said the situation quickly turned chaotic near the entrance as crowds tried to move in and out at the same time.
Officials said many victims died from suffocation and injuries caused by being crushed in the tightly packed crowd. Dozens of people were also injured and taken to nearby hospitals, with some still receiving treatment.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and announced that the government will cover funeral costs for the victims. Authorities have also launched an investigation to understand what led to the disaster.
Early reports suggest that overcrowding and poor crowd control played a major role. Some accounts indicate that rain may have made conditions worse, while others point to panic triggered by confusion or disturbances in the crowd. These details are still being verified.
The government has temporarily closed the site as rescue teams completed their work and officials assessed safety conditions. The Citadelle Laferrière, a symbol of Haiti’s history and independence, usually attracts large crowds during national and cultural events.
The tragedy has shocked the nation and raised concerns about safety planning at large public gatherings. As the country observes days of mourning, leaders have called for stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.