Five police officers detained as probe continues into deadly stampede in Haiti
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — Haiti on Tuesday began three days of mourning following the weekend stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière that left between 25 and 30 people dead.
The fort is a symbol of enslaved Haitians’ hard-won independence, when the enslaved population revolted against their oppressors and declared independence in 1804. The citadel was built in 1820 to defend against an anticipated French invasion which never came.
The authorities have also confirmed that five police officers are among seven people arrested in connection with a deadly stampede that took place last Saturday during an annual cultural festivity at the Laferrière Citadel, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site in northern Haiti.
The authorities initially reported that 30 people had been killed but this number has been revised down to 25.
Two employees of the country’s National Heritage Preservation Institute (ISPAN), which oversees the preservation of Haiti’s major landmarks, have also been arrested and are in custody pending further legal action, police said.
Investigators also recovered six cell phones and six security badges.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said over the weekend that the stampede happened “during a tourist event attended by many young people” at the site, in the town of Milot.
Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph told the Magik9 radio station that his administration was not aware of any activity planned at the citadel on Saturday, and that they had later found out that a local DJ had invited people there via TikTok.
The site’s engineer and a former ISPAN director, Jean-Hérold Pérard, told the Haitian Times that one of the site’s two entrances had been closed so that local security officials could collect visitors’ fees.
He said people began trying to force their way in as it started raining and alleged that gunshots were fired into the air and teargas was used, but it was not clear by whom.
“People were pushing each other and some died of asphyxiation, especially after they threw tear gas,” Pérard said.
The event was attended by children and young people, with many making the hike to reach the venue, according to videos circulated ahead of the event.
READ: Haiti fort stampede kills at least 30
READ: Caricom extends condolences after 30 people die in stampede in Haiti
