At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière in northern Haiti during an Orthodox Easter gathering. The incident occurred as thousands of worshippers had assembled at the fortress, leading to overcrowding and panic.
Local authorities reported that the sudden rush caused chaos, with many people being trampled in the narrow passageways of the site. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the scale of the crowd made rescue operations difficult.
Officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, while medical teams continue to treat the injured. The government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support for relief efforts.
The stampede has cast a shadow over Easter celebrations in Haiti, raising concerns about crowd management and safety measures at large religious gatherings. The Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the country’s most visited landmarks and often hosts major cultural and religious events.