At least 30 killed in Haiti stampede

At least 30 people are dead after a stampede in Haiti.

Authorities said the stampede occurred at ⁠the Laferriere Citadel, and warned that the death toll could rise.

The 19th-century fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Caribbean state, and was packed with students and visitors ⁠on Saturday.

The UNESCO ⁠World Heritage site, in the north of the island nation, was reportedly hosting an annual celebration.

Haitian Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, confirmed that "many young people" were ​in attendance, but did not identify the victims or give an estimate of the death toll.

In a statement, he extended "his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of his profound solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering".

Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's ​Nord Department, said the disaster occurred at the entrance to the site and was further exacerbated by rain.

The Caribbean country has been afflicted by violent gangs in recent years, with the groups now controlling large parts of the country, including up to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to UN figures.

Armed with trafficked weapons, they terrorise civilians with murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence.

Recent disasters have also taken their toll, including fuel tank explosions in 2021 and 2024, that killed 90 and 24 people respectively, and a 2021 earthquake that left some 2,000 people ​dead.

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(c) Sky News 2026: At least 30 killed in Haiti stampede