A stampede at the historic Citadelle Henri fortress in Haiti's northern town of Milot killed at least 25 people on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred during an annual Easter gathering at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Key Takeaways
A stampede at the historic Citadelle Henri fortress in Haiti killed at least 25 people during an annual Easter gathering. Authorities warn the death toll may rise as investigations continue.
- Stampede occurred Saturday at popular tourist site
- Death toll revised down from initial higher estimates
- Investigations ongoing to determine exact cause
- Site closed until further notice
Initial reports suggested a higher death toll, but authorities later revised the number downward. Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department, warned that the death toll could still rise as investigations continue.
The stampede happened during a tourist event attended by many young people, according to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The incident was exacerbated by heavy rain and occurred near the site's single entrance as visitors tried to enter and exit simultaneously. Several dozen people were injured and taken to hospitals for medical care.
The government has launched an investigation into the cause of the stampede and urged citizens to remain calm while awaiting results. The fortress, built shortly after Haiti gained independence from France, is now closed to visitors until further notice.
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