More than two dozen people, including tourists and students, are believed to have died following the stampede at the Laferrière Citadel in Haiti’s Nord Department this weekend
A horror stampede at a Haiti tourist site that killed dozens of people, including “many young people”, was at least partially caused by inclement weather, investigators believe.
Up to 30 people were killed after the stampede unfolded at the 19th-century Laferrière Citadel to the country’s north, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is one of the country’s most recognisable attractions. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as the location was packed with tourists and students when the incident took place.
While authorities have refused to supply an exact death toll beyond confirming “many young people” were at the scene, police have suggested what may have been behind the chaos.
READ MORE: Foreign Office warns ‘do not travel here’ or risk invalidating your insuranceREAD MORE: At least 30 dead in stampede at popular Haiti tourist attraction
Jean Henri Petit, the head of civil protection for Haiti’s Nord Department, said in a statement that the disaster unfolded on the entrance to the site. He added that it was further exacerbated by heavy, localised rainfall. Regional outlets have reported the death toll, citing Mr Petit, although the government did not say in a statement how many people are believed to have died.
The stampeded took place during an event commemorating the founding of the fortress, which local media state was widely advertised on social media.
Alix Didier Fils-Aime, the prime minister of Haiti, offered his condolences, however, saying: “The government sends its sincere condolences to the affected families.” The premier added that an investigation into the incident has also been launched, with “all relevant authorities” in the region mobilised to support those affected.
Haiti minister of culture Emmanuel Menard said: “The injured are currently receiving the necessary medical care, and a rescue team is searching for any missing persons.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Haiti due to an unstable political situation, crime – including kidnappings – and terrorism. The department states in its warning: “FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation.
There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.”
The Laferrière Citadel where the incident took place is an enduring symbol of Haiti’s war for independence, when its enslaved population rose up to depose their oppressors before ultimately winning their freedom in 1804. The citadel was erected just 16 years later.
In recent years, Haiti has been beset by gang violence and terrorism, with groups having plunged the country into a severe human rights crisis.
Many of the gangs have established roots in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, from where they are inflicting terror and violence, and carrying out kidnappings. The escalation of gang violence has followed years of political instability, which has been exacerbated by natural disasters and poverty.
