Tragic crowd crush at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière kills 25, sparking arrests and national mourning
On April 11, a tragic stampede at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals, including children and a pregnant woman. The chaos unfolded during an unauthorized event organized by TikTok influencers, drawing a crowd exceeding 3,000. The combination of overcrowding and heavy rain led to suffocation and a crush at the entrance. Normally, the citadel hosts annual Holy Week festivities, but this year’s event was extended due to social media promotion. Local tour guide Rose Beaulieu condemned the inadequate management. In the aftermath, the government announced three days of national mourning and will cover funeral expenses. On April 13, Mayor Wesner Joseph, five security agents, and two ISPAN employees were arrested. Investigations are still in progress, and the citadel remains closed indefinitely.
Key facts
- At least 25 people died in a crowd crush at Citadelle Laferrière on 11 April
- The event was unauthorized and promoted by TikTok influencers, attracting over 3,000 attendees
- Fatalities included a pregnant woman and young children
- Heavy rainfall worsened conditions, causing a stampede at the narrow entrance
- Mayor Wesner Joseph of Milot was arrested on 13 April and interrogated for three days
- Five municipal security agents and two ISPAN employees were also arrested
- The citadel is closed indefinitely, and investigations are ongoing
- Three days of national mourning were declared, with the government covering funeral costs
Entities
Artists
- Rose Beaulieu
- Wesner Joseph
Institutions
- Haitian Institute for the Protection of National Heritage (ISPAN)
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Citadelle Laferrière
- Milot
- Haiti