7 arrested in Haiti, including 5 police officers, after deadly stampede

Haitian Authorities Arrest Seven Following Deadly Fortress Stampede

Authorities in Haiti have arrested seven individuals, including five police officers, following a deadly stampede that claimed at least 25 lives at a historic mountaintop fortress over the weekend, police officials announced Monday.

The arrests also include two employees from Haiti’s Institute for the Preservation of National Heritage, the organization responsible for overseeing La Citadelle, the imposing 19th-century fortress where Saturday’s tragedy occurred. Located in the northern town of Milot, the fortress stands as one of Haiti’s most significant historical landmarks, built in the early 1800s following the country’s independence from France.

According to officials, dozens were injured during the incident, with 30 victims still hospitalized as of Sunday. The exact cause of the stampede remains unclear, and police have launched an ongoing investigation to determine what triggered the deadly crush.

Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph told local radio station Magik9 on Monday that his administration had no prior knowledge of any planned activities at La Citadelle that day. Joseph revealed that authorities later discovered a local DJ had organized the event, promoting it through TikTok, which attracted many children and teenagers to the historic site.

“We were completely unaware of any planned gathering at the fortress,” Joseph explained during his radio interview. “This appears to have been an unauthorized event targeted primarily at young people.”

Social media footage circulating before the event shows hundreds of young people making the challenging 8-kilometer (5-mile) uphill trek to reach La Citadelle. The steep mountain path, typically a demanding journey for tourists and visitors, was crowded with attendees, while others chose to reach the fortress on horseback.

Additional video evidence indicates the event was being promoted at least a week in advance. One recording shows young Haitians driving around with loudspeakers announcing: “You have to hurry to make sure you’re in the line.”

According to promotional materials, attendees paid nearly $8 for entry, with organizers promising free water and fruit juice. The promotional messaging urged participants to gather at the park below La Citadelle by 7 a.m., emphasizing that everyone should arrive by 10 a.m.

Authorities have not yet clarified whether formal charges have been filed against the arrested police officers or heritage institute employees. Their specific roles in the incident or potential negligence remain part of the ongoing investigation.

The deadly incident comes at a particularly challenging time for Haiti, which continues to grapple with political instability, gang violence, and economic hardship. La Citadelle, a UNESCO World Heritage site often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, typically represents a source of national pride and tourist revenue for the struggling Caribbean nation.

Built under the direction of Henri Christophe, who declared himself King Henri I after Haiti gained independence, the fortress was designed as a defensive stronghold against potential French attempts to reclaim the former colony. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Haiti’s revolutionary history and resilience.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about event oversight, safety protocols at national heritage sites, and the responsibility of authorities in preventing unauthorized gatherings at historically significant locations. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter regulations and improved security measures at cultural landmarks throughout Haiti.

Local officials have also raised concerns about the growing influence of social media in organizing mass gatherings without proper permits or safety considerations, particularly when targeting young audiences.