Haiti: Several Police Arrested Over Stampede That Killed 25

Haiti began a three-day mourning period on Tuesday following a stampede that resulted in 25 fatalities over the weekend. The incident occurred at Citadelle Laferriere, a historic mountaintop fortress in the country’s northern region. National police announced on Monday that seven individuals were detained in Milot, a town at the base of the citadel, for their alleged involvement. Among the arrested were five municipal officers and two staff members from the National Heritage Preservation Institute.

Authorities initially reported 30 deaths but later adjusted the number. Wesner Joseph, mayor of Milot, was quoted by AFP as stating, “We received 13 bodies at Sacre-Coeur Hospital and recovered 12 more at the Citadel. Twenty-five injured people are also receiving treatment at the hospital.”

“Only one door was open for both entry and exit. This panic caused a massive stampede, resulting in cases of asphyxiation, trampling, and loss of consciousness among the visitors.”

Conflicting narratives emerged about the cause of the stampede. Some local sources claimed heavy rain triggered panic during an event, leading to the crush. However, AFP cited the Civil Protection agency, noting the incident occurred during a traditional festival at the fortress, which drew exceptionally large crowds. Milot’s mayor, Wesner Joseph, told Magik9 radio that his administration was unaware of any planned activity at the site when the stampede happened on Saturday. Later, it was revealed that a local DJ had organized an event via TikTok, inviting attendees who paid approximately $8 for entry.

According to pre-event videos, the gathering attracted children and young people, many of whom made the trek to reach the venue. The fortress, located near Cap-Haitien—the northern port serving as Haiti’s primary gateway due to unrest in Port-au-Prince—stands as a symbol of the enslaved population’s victory in 1804. Built in 1820 to defend against a feared French invasion, it remains a landmark of national pride.