Haiti Authorities Arrest Seven Suspects After Fatal Stampede at Historic Fortress

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Authorities in Haiti arrested seven suspects, including five police officers, after a stampede that resulted in at least 25 deaths at a historic mountaintop fortress over the weekend. The event took place on Saturday at La Citadelle, a fortress built in the early 1800s in the northern town of Milot. Police announced the arrests on Monday.

Among the suspects are two employees of Haiti's Institute for the Preservation of National Heritage, the organization responsible for overseeing La Citadelle. Dozens of people sustained injuries during the stampede, with 30 individuals reported to remain in the hospital as of Sunday. The cause of the stampede has not been determined.

A police investigation is underway to examine the circumstances of the incident. It is not yet known if the arrested police officers or institute employees have been formally charged. The fortress, an imposing structure on a steep mountain, attracts visitors for its historical significance related to Haiti's early 19th-century independence efforts.

Background of the Event Local officials stated that no activities had been planned or approved for La Citadelle on Saturday.

Authorities later determined that a local DJ had promoted an event at the site through TikTok, drawing many children and teenagers. Participants paid nearly $8 to attend, with promises of free water and fruit juice. m.

m. Social media videos showed hundreds of young people hiking the approximately 8-kilometer (5-mile) steep path to the site, while others rode horses. Another video depicted two individuals driving around with loudspeakers to promote the event more than a week in advance, urging people to join the line.

The unauthorized nature of the gathering highlights challenges in regulating public events at protected historical sites in Haiti. This incident underscores the risks associated with large, unplanned assemblies in remote locations.

Ongoing Investigation and Response Police continue to probe the factors leading to the stampede, including crowd management and the role of the arrested individuals.

Hospital reports indicate that the injured include a significant number of minors, given the event's appeal to younger attendees. Recovery efforts for the site may involve assessments by heritage officials to ensure safety for future visitors. Authorities have not released further details on the suspects' involvement or the exact sequence of events during the stampede.

The investigation aims to identify any lapses in oversight or promotion that contributed to the tragedy. Families of the victims and the injured are awaiting updates as medical care and support services are provided.