Stampede at Citadelle Laferrière Kills 25 — UNESCO Heritage Site Closed, 9 Arrested

At least 25 people were killed (initial reports cited 30+; revised downward after search operations concluded) and dozens more hospitalized after a deadly stampede at Citadelle Laferrière, a historic UNESCO World Heritage mountaintop fortress near Milot in Haiti's Nord Department, on Saturday April 11–12, 2026. The incident occurred during a mass youth gathering called 'Citadel Vibe 3.0,' promoted by social media influencers at the 19th-century fortification. A crush of people formed at the site entrance, reportedly worsened when police used tear gas to break up a fight, causing panic on the steep, rain-slicked mountainside approaches. Haiti's government confirmed the death toll and offered condolences to victims' families. Nine people were subsequently arrested including five police officers and ISPAN (Institut de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine National) officials. The site was immediately closed to visitors 'until further notice.' Citadelle Laferrière — completed in 1820 under King Henri Christophe — is Haiti's most iconic landmark and a symbol of the country's post-independence history. The tragedy struck amid Haiti's profound ongoing crisis: the country has not held national elections since 2019, 90% of the capital is under gang control, and 6.4 million people require humanitarian assistance. International media widely covered the event, highlighting the juxtaposition of a national heritage tragedy against the country's existing catastrophe.