Local authorities in Cap-Haïtien indicated that extreme overcrowding during traditional Easter festivities at the Citadelle Laferrière caused the tragedy, leading to cases of asphyxiation and trampling. At least 30 people are believed to have died and dozens more were injured, with some 30 patients still hospitalized on Sunday, while others remained missing, fueling concerns about crowd safety at large public gatherings. Authorities stated that autopsies began on April 12, as the Haitian National Police launched an investigation into the causes of the disaster. The Citadelle Laferrière, a fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visited annually by thousands, was hosting a school field trip and cultural celebrations near the entrance when the crowd began to surge forward, apparently after rain and heavy traffic caused people to rush toward the exit. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people tried to escape along narrow, steep paths, with several falling and being crushed in the stampede. The government offered its condolences to the victims' families, while officials urged the public not to spread rumors and to cooperate with rescue teams, who were continuing search and recovery operations at the site.
