On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the Haitian National Police (PNH), through the North Departmental Judicial Police Service (SDPJ), released the preliminary report on the tragic event that occurred the previous day at the Citadelle Laferrière. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47277-flash-terrible-tragedy-30-dead-at-the-citadelle-laferriere.html

Following the usual procedures, the preliminary death toll stands at 25 (13 bodies were recorded at Milot Hospital, while 12 others were found at the Citadelle site). Approximately 30 people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals throughout the department.

Regarding the legal procedures, Justice of the Peace Mirlène Charles began the official examination of the deceased at the hospital on Saturday evening around 11:15 p.m. She then went to the Citadel site to continue the examination of the remaining bodies. The official examinations were completed around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 12.

The Haitian National Police (PNH) informs the public that an investigation has already been opened to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy and asks the public to refrain from spreading rumors.

The PNH extends its sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.

Reactions , Condolences, and Sympathies :

Venezuela :

The Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez Gómez, on behalf of the Venezuelan Government and people, offers her sincerest condolences following the stampede in a panic at the Citadelle Laferrière. "Venezuela offers its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its solidarity with the Haitian people in these painful moments. We share the pain that grips all of Haiti in the face of this tragic event, particularly painful for the young people present. We pray for the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured, while trusting that the Haitian people will overcome this ordeal with dignity and courage [...]"

European Union :

"The Delegation of the European Union to Haiti expresses its deep sadness following the tragedy that occurred at the Citadelle Laferrière. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We offer them our sincere condolences during this difficult time."

U.S. Embassy :

Chargé d'Affaires Henry T. Wooster and all the staff of the U.S. Embassy in Haiti extend their sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives on Saturday in a tragic incident at Citadelle Laferrière in Milot. Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities affected by this tragedy.

French Embassy :

"The French Embassy expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the many victims of the stampede that occurred at Citadelle Laferrière in Milot on Saturday, April 11. It expresses its support for the emergency teams mobilized on site and its solidarity with the Haitian nation in these tragic circumstances."

Embassy of Canada :

"Canada expresses its deep sorrow following the tragedy at Citadelle Laferrière. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, the injured, and the Haitian people, and we extend our deepest sympathy."

BINUH :

"In the wake of the tragedy at Citadelle Laferrière, my thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Haitian people. In these painful moments, I express my full solidarity and support." Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti, and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH)

Embassy of Taiwan :

The Embassy of Taiwan in Haiti (Republic of China) expresses its deep sorrow following the tragedy that occurred on April 11 at Citadelle Laferrière, in northern Haiti. Taiwan extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Taiwan will stand with the Haitian people during this difficult and painful time and will continue to support them in overcoming this ordeal.

UNESCO :

UNESCO expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic stampede at the Citadelle Henri, a World Heritage Site. We express our profound solidarity and stand with the Haitian people during this difficult time.

OPC :

"The Office of Citizen Protection learned with dismay of the tragedy that occurred in Milot, in the North Department of Haiti, where dozens of citizens lost their lives in circumstances that remain unclear to this day. The Office of Citizen Protection offers its sincere sympathies to the families of the victims, as well as to the entire Cap-Haïtien community, which has been deeply affected by this tragedy.

The Citadelle Laferrière, as a tourist site administered by the Ministry of Culture should be a secure space. Access to this site should be subject to rigorous prior assessment by the competent authorities, including the Ministry of Culture and municipal authorities. In this regard, the OPC urges the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough administrative investigation, which could lead to legal proceedings against any person or organization involved in this tragedy that claimed the lives of citizens whose right to life is guaranteed by the Constitution and international human rights instruments."

SL/ S/ HaitiLibre