On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the Cap-Haitien Municipal Commission learned with deep sorrow of the tragedy that occurred at the Citadelle Laferrière in Milot, during traditional festivities that drew an exceptionally large crowd to this major historical site.

According to preliminary information released by Civil Protection, a situation of severe overcrowding, linked in particular to deficiencies in crowd management measures, triggered a stampede. This crush resulted in numerous cases of asphyxiation, trampling, and loss of consciousness.

The provisional death toll stands at approximately 30, and several dozen injured are currently being treated in hospitals.

Civil Protection indicated in the evening that the still provisional toll could rise due to the significant number of missing persons. Several dozen injured are currently being treated in various hospitals in the region. The Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Milot reportedly received several bodies of young people, rushed to the hospital. According to eyewitness accounts, the total number of victims could exceed 50.

Given the scale of the disaster, the Cap-Haïtien Municipal Commission, demonstrating inter-municipal solidarity and rapid response to emergencies, immediately dispatched an ambulance and support teams to assist with rescue, evacuation, and victim care operations.

The Municipality commends the mobilization of the Civil Protection teams, healthcare personnel, and all those involved on the ground in these particularly challenging conditions.

The Cap-Haitien Municipal Commission expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirms its full solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.

Reacting to this tragic incident, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the Government, in a statement, expressed their dismay at this tragedy and conveyed "[...] their profound emotion and immense sadness. The Government extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of its deep solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering.

All relevant authorities are fully mobilized and on high alert to provide, without delay, the necessary assistance, care, and support to those affected and their loved ones.

The Government is monitoring the situation very closely and calls on the public to remain calm and cautious while awaiting the results of the ongoing investigations to establish the exact circumstances of this tragedy.

In this particularly difficult time, the Prime Minister and the Government reaffirm their solidarity with the victims and the entire affected community."

SL/ HaitiLibre