PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Seven individuals are now in custody following a devastating stampede that claimed the lives of at least 25 people at a historic fortress in northern Haiti over the weekend, according to police officials who announced the arrests Monday.
The detained suspects include five law enforcement officers and two workers from Haiti’s Institute for the Preservation of National Heritage, the organization responsible for managing La Citadelle. This imposing fortress, constructed in the early 1800s, sits atop a mountain in the town of Milot and was the site of Saturday’s tragic incident.
The stampede left dozens wounded, with 30 individuals still receiving medical treatment at hospitals as of Sunday. Investigators have not yet determined what triggered the deadly crush of people, and the probe continues.
Officials have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against the police officers or heritage institute workers.
Speaking to Magik9 radio on Monday, Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph revealed that local government officials had no knowledge of any scheduled activities at La Citadelle that day. He said investigators later discovered that a local DJ had used TikTok to invite people to an event at the fortress, drawing many young people and teenagers.
Social media footage from before the gathering shows hundreds of youth undertaking the challenging 8-kilometer climb up the steep mountainside to reach La Citadelle, while others chose to make the journey on horseback.
Additional video evidence captured two young Haitians promoting the event through loudspeakers more than a week prior, saying “You have to hurry to make sure you’re in the line.”
Those wanting to participate in the event were required to pay approximately $8 for admission. Organizers promised complimentary water and fruit beverages, instructing attendees to gather at 7 a.m. at the park situated below La Citadelle and emphasizing that everyone needed to arrive by 10 a.m.
