Port-au-Prince: At least 30 people were killed in a tragic stampede at Haiti’s renowned Laferrière Citadel, with officials cautioning that the death toll could climb further, Moneycontrol reported, citing inputs from Reuters. The incident occurred during a large gathering at the historic site, which had drawn a significant number of visitors, including students, for an annual celebration.
According to Reuters, as referenced by Moneycontrol, the stampede unfolded near the entrance of the fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Haiti’s most prominent tourist attractions. Authorities indicated that overcrowding at the venue contributed to the chaos, while adverse weather conditions, including rain, further aggravated the situation.
Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection in Haiti’s Nord department, confirmed that the site was packed with attendees at the time of the incident. The sudden surge of people led to panic, resulting in a deadly crush. Emergency teams were deployed promptly, and rescue efforts were initiated to assist victims and search for survivors.
Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extended solidarity to those affected by the tragedy, Reuters reported. He also noted that many young individuals were present at the event, though the identities of the victims have not yet been fully confirmed.
As per Moneycontrol, authorities are continuing rescue operations and assessing the full scale of the disaster. Several injured individuals have been taken for medical treatment, and the situation remains under close monitoring.
The incident underscores the risks associated with large gatherings at popular tourist sites, particularly when crowd management measures are insufficient. Further details are expected as investigations continue, Moneycontrol added.
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