The Haitian government announced Sunday it will observe three days of national mourning following a tragic stampede that claimed 25 lives at one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations.
The deadly incident occurred during an annual festival at the Laferriere Citadel, where crowds of students and tourists had gathered for the celebration.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced during a televised address to the nation that the mourning period will commence on Tuesday. The government has also pledged to pay for all funeral costs for those who perished in the tragedy.
Emmanuel Pierre, who leads Haiti’s civil protection agency, confirmed to news outlets that officials have updated the fatality count to 25, down from the original estimate of 30 deaths.
The historic fortress where the stampede took place dates back to the early 1800s and was constructed following Haiti’s liberation from French colonial rule. The site holds UNESCO World Heritage designation.
