Seven individuals, including five police officers, have been taken into custody following a deadly stampede at one of Haiti's most iconic historical sites. The incident occurred during an unsanctioned cultural event at the Laferrière Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress in northern Haiti.
Initially, authorities reported 30 fatalities, but the death toll has since been revised to 25. In addition to the police officers, two employees from Haiti's National Heritage Preservation Institute (ISPAN) were also arrested. All seven are currently detained as investigations proceed.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé described the stampede as occurring "during a tourist event attended by many young people" at the citadel in the town of Milot. He announced three days of national mourning for the victims, set to begin on Tuesday.
Local officials expressed confusion over the event's organization. Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph stated that his administration was unaware of any planned activity at the site on Saturday. He later learned that a local DJ had promoted the gathering on TikTok, drawing a crowd.
Jean-Hérold Pérard, the site's engineer and a former ISPAN director, provided critical details about the chaos. He explained that one of the citadel's two entrances had been closed so security personnel could collect visitor fees. When rain began, people attempted to force their way inside.
"People were pushing each other and some died of asphyxiation especially after they threw tear gas," Pérard said, alleging that gunshots were fired into the air and tear gas was deployed, though it remains unclear who was responsible.
The Laferrière Citadel, also known as Citadelle Henry, holds deep historical significance. Built by revolutionary leader Henri Christophe after Haiti gained independence from France, the fortress took over a decade to construct and served as a crucial defense network for the new Caribbean nation. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Haitian independence.
This tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of severe gang violence in Haiti, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. The stampede at this national treasure adds another layer of sorrow to a country already grappling with profound security challenges.