At Least 30 Dead in Stampede at Haiti’s Citadelle Laferriere Fortress

At least 30 people were killed in a stampede on April 12, 2026, at the Citadelle Laferrière, a historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northern countryside of Haiti.

The incident occurred at the entrance to the site, which was crowded with students and visitors attending an annual celebration. Jean Henri Petit, the head of Civil Protection for Haiti’s Nord Department, stated that rain further exacerbated the disaster.

Reporting from The New York Times indicates the tragedy unfolded around the appearance of a social media personality at the fortress, which serves as a symbol of Haitian sovereignty.

Casualties and Response

While Al Jazeera reported that authorities confirmed at least 30 deaths and warned that the toll could rise, other reports provided varying figures. The Associated Press noted that an investigation led authorities to update the death toll to 25 fatalities, with autopsies being conducted on April 13, 2026. Police further reported that 30 people remained missing.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime issued a statement regarding the event, noting that many young people were in attendance at the celebrations.

extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of his profound solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime

Following the incident, Haiti declared three days of national mourning for those killed in the stampede.

Site Significance

The Citadelle Laferrière, often referred to as La Citadelle, is an early-19th-century fortress located in Milot. It was constructed shortly after Haiti gained its independence from France and was designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1982.

The site remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.