Haiti has declared three days of national mourning after a stampede at the Citadelle Laferrière in Milot killed at least 25 people and injured dozens during weekend festivities at the historic mountaintop fortress.
Authorities initially feared a higher death toll, but the Haitian National Police later revised the figure to 25 after opening an investigation. About 30 people remained hospitalised on Sunday, while autopsies were underway and some families were still searching for missing relatives.
Municipal authorities in nearby Cap-Haïtien said the stampede caused “numerous cases of asphyxiation, trampling and loss of consciousness.” Preliminary findings pointed to severe overcrowding and weaknesses in crowd-control measures as large numbers gathered for traditional celebrations at the UNESCO-listed site.
The Haitian National Police said it had launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and urged the public to cooperate with authorities while avoiding rumours. The Citadelle has been closed to visitors until further notice.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said the government would cover funeral costs. Reuters reported that the national mourning period will begin on Tuesday.
The tragedy has raised fresh questions over security and crowd management at major public events in Haiti, where authorities are already struggling with gang violence, economic hardship and weak public institutions.
Among the victims was a schoolgirl who had reportedly earned a place on a field trip because of her strong academic performance. Her brother, Donaldson Jean, broke down after carrying her body, which had been covered with a white tarp.
Authorities said several people were taken to hospitals after the crush, while emergency workers and relatives continued efforts to identify the dead and account for those reported missing.
The Citadelle Laferrière, built in the early 19th century, is one of Haiti’s most important national landmarks and a major symbol of independence. The stampede now stands as one of the country’s deadliest recent public gathering disasters.
