Haiti’s Culture Ministry fires workers over citadel stampede that killed 25

Following a deadly stampede at the Citadelle Laferriere in northern Haiti that killed at least 25 people, Haiti's Culture Ministry fired two government officials for negligence. The incident occurred during a local DJ event at the historic fortress, with some visitors exiting while others entered, causing a fatal crush. Nine people, including police officers and ministry employees, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy. The Ministry stated the event was the result of administrative negligence and the government will assume responsibility. Haiti has begun three days of national mourning as it faces multiple crises ahead of general elections later this year.

Seven people, including five police officers and two heritage institute employees, have been arrested in Haiti following a deadly stampede at the Laferrière Citadel on Saturday. The incident occurred during a cultural festivity at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Milot, resulting in 25 deaths. Authorities are investigating the cause of the stampede, which Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said occurred during a tourist event. The mayor of Milot stated that his administration was unaware of any planned activity at the citadel, and a local DJ had invited people via TikTok. One of the site's entrances was reportedly closed for fee collection, potentially contributing to the disaster. Haiti has declared three days of national mourning.

A stampede at the Citadelle Laferriere, a historical fort in Milot, Haiti, killed at least 25 people and injured dozens on Saturday. The incident occurred during traditional festivities at the popular tourist site, with authorities citing severe overcrowding and deficiencies in crowd management as potential causes. Many victims suffered asphyxiation, trampling, and loss of consciousness. Dozens were hospitalized, and some remain missing. The Haitian National Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the stampede, and autopsies are being conducted. The Haitian government has offered condolences to the families of the victims.

A stampede at the Citadelle Laferriere in northern Haiti on Saturday resulted in at least 30 deaths, with authorities warning the toll may rise. The incident occurred at the entrance to the popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was crowded with students and visitors attending an annual celebration. Rescue operations are ongoing to search for missing persons and provide medical care to the injured. The Prime Minister has extended condolences to the families of the victims. The Minister of Culture and Communication confirmed the deaths and stated that a rescue team is searching for any missing persons.

At least 30 people, many of them young, died in a crush at Citadelle Henry, a historic mountaintop fortress in northern Haiti, on Saturday. Dozens more were injured, and the death toll may rise. Initial reports suggest overcrowding at a single entrance and a possible scuffle triggered the incident, while other reports mention a gathering advertised on TikTok and rumors of excessive teargas use by police. The Haitian government expressed sadness and launched an investigation, mobilizing authorities to provide assistance. The fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is closed until further notice. The tragedy occurs as Haiti faces ongoing gang violence, a security force crackdown, and economic hardship exacerbated by rising oil prices.

A stampede at the Laferrière Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Milot, Haiti, on Saturday has left at least 30 people feared dead. The incident occurred during an annual Easter gathering and tourist event that attracted many young people. The event, commemorating the fortress's founding, was heavily promoted on social media. Initial reports suggest the stampede began near the entrance and was worsened by heavy rain. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has launched an investigation and mobilized authorities to support the affected families.