The stampede took place at the Laferriere Citadel, a 19th-century fortress and popular tourist attraction in Haiti. Many students and visitors were present at the site during the stampede. The stampede happened at the entrance to the site, and rainfall worsened the situation, according to officials.
Authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to rise. In response to the incident, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé declined to name any victims or provide an estimated death toll. This stampede occurs against the backdrop of Haiti's ongoing gang violence crisis.
Haiti has been plagued by violent gang activity in recent years, with armed groups controlling up to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to UN figures. The Laferriere Citadel, built in the early 19th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws tourists and local visitors alike. The stampede's location at the entrance suggests a bottleneck during entry, exacerbated by the rainy conditions.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé's response highlights the challenges in managing the crisis amid Haiti's broader instability. The gang violence has severely impacted daily life and safety, with the UN reporting extensive control by armed groups in Port-au-Prince.