At least 30 dead in stampede at Haiti's historic Citadel Laferriere

Haiti. At least 30 people have died and dozens have been injured following a stampede at the historic tourist site of Citadel Laferriere in Haiti. According to local media, the government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has launched an investigation.

In a statement released via Facebook, government officials stated that the incident occurred during a 'tourist activity' at the 19th-century fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Milot, on Saturday. It is reported that the accident happened when a crowd, which included many young people, suddenly became uncontrollable during the event.

Jean Henry Petit, head of the Civil Protection Department for Haiti's northern region, informed the local newspaper Le Nouvelliste that at least 30 deaths have been confirmed initially. He warned that the death toll could rise as a large number of people remain missing.

Dozens of people injured in the incident have been admitted to nearby hospitals. However, the exact number of injured has not yet been made public.

According to preliminary reports, tourists had gathered in large numbers at the entrance. The situation spiraled out of control when groups attempting to enter and exit the fortress began pushing each other, triggering the stampede.

The government has stated that an investigation into the incident is underway and has urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant. The statement mentioned that all relevant agencies have been mobilized immediately, and high alert measures have been adopted to provide necessary assistance, treatment, and relief to the victims.

The Haitian government has announced that it is conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, and further details are being collected.