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Haiti Declares National Mourning After 16 Revelers Die in a Stampede

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Haiti's President Michel Martelly, center left, and first lady Sophia Martelly, right center, stand at a memorial in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Feb. 17, 2015
Haiti's President Michel Martelly, center left, and first lady Sophia Martelly, right center, stand at a memorial in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Feb. 17, 2015Dieu Nalio Chery—AP
By Sabrina Toppa

Haitian Prime Minister Evans Paul has announced three days of national mourning after a Carnival stampede Tuesday left at least 16 dead and 78 injured in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The final day of the annual celebrations has also been canceled.

Tuesday’s tragedy occurred when Haitian singer Fantom, standing on top of a float, was struck by a power line, setting off a deadly electric current. Many spectators were trampled underfoot and died in the ensuing panic, according to Reuters.

Paul said Carnival organizers would now arrange a parade to honor the deceased.

“We are telling the people of Haiti that we must be in solidarity,” Paul said. “We are all Haiti.”

[Reuters]

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