Around 30 killed in stampede in northern Haiti

PANAMA CITY -- Around 30 people were killed Saturday during a large gathering at the Citadelle Laferriere in northern Haiti, after a crowd surge triggered panic and a deadly stampede at the historic fortress, local media reported Sunday.

According to the Haitian Times, the incident occurred when thousands of people were gathering for a youth event at the fortress near the city of Cap-Haitien.

Patrick Almonord, deputy mayor of Cap-Haitien, said in a statement that a movement within the crowd led to a stampede of "extreme gravity," leaving around 30 people dead and dozens injured.

The toll could still change, he added.

Victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while a joint delegation of local officials and civil protection teams was dispatched to support rescue efforts.

The gathering was promoted by several social media influencers and drew a crowd far exceeding the site's capacity, authorities said.

Images circulating on social media and witness accounts suggested that only one access point was open for both entry and exit, causing severe congestion as the crowd grew.

Authorities have not confirmed whether organizers of the event had obtained official authorization from the Institute for the Preservation of National Heritage, which manages the site.