Port-au-Prince: At least 30 people have died in a stampede at the historic Citadelle Henri fortress in northern Haiti, according to a government minister, in an incident that has also left several others injured and missing.

Culture and Communications Minister Emmanuel Menard confirmed the fatalities in a statement to AFP on Sunday, saying the tragedy occurred on Saturday, 11 April 2026, at the 19th-century fortress, also known as Citadelle Laferriere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination.

“The Minister of Culture and Communication has confirmed the deaths of 30 people at the Citadelle Henri on Saturday, April 11, 2026,” Menard said, adding that injured victims were receiving medical treatment while rescue teams continued searching for missing persons.

The government did not provide an exact number of injured, though local reports indicated several dozen people were taken to hospital. Civil protection officials warned that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.

ALSO READ | 4.9 magnitude shallow earthquake hits Indian Ocean: Is it a warning?

The stampede reportedly involved a large gathering of mostly young visitors at the site, which is understood to have been part of a tourist activity. Initial accounts suggested overcrowding near a single entry point, where panic broke out amid attempts by crowds to both enter and exit the fortress.

Local media reports also indicated the event may have been promoted on social media platforms, including TikTok, although authorities have not officially confirmed this detail.

The Citadelle Henri, one of Haiti’s most significant historical landmarks, has been closed to visitors until further notice following the incident.

Prime Minister’s office expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, saying all relevant authorities had been mobilised and placed on high alert to provide assistance and support. The government has urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.