Several reported dead in stadi...

Sport

Several reported dead in stadium stampede for Cameroon AFCON tie


Share this article


Seven people were reported as dead following a stampede at the Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday night. 

The crush occurred as fans tried to make their way into the stadium for the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 meeting of the tournaments hosts and Comoros.

News agency LSI Africa claim that seven people were killed, and many seriously injured in the stampede. The seriously injured were taken to the Messassi hospital 3km away from the ground.

Some of those involved were children.

An eye-witness told Cameroon-Info, "At one time about 1000 impatient fans at the front of the long queues tried to enter at the same time.

"They violently cleared all the security barriers. The police and gendarmes found themselves overwhelmed.

"Eventually people stepped on them. I saw the paramedics carrying the wounded to the hospital. Some were not moving."

The 60,000 seater stadium was built in anticipation for the competition, and was hosting its sixth game of the tournament on Monday night. It's still scheduled to host a quarter-final, semi-final and the final on February 6.

Cameroon won the game 2-1, overcoming a Comoros side that was reduced to ten men inside 7-minutes, and played the full 90 with left-back Chaker Alhadhur in goal.

A rash of COVID-19 infections left the island nation with no fit goalkeepers for their maiden knockout tie in the tournament.

THE FOOTBALL SHOW | Pat Nevin reviews PL action | Referee controversy | Rooney to Everton


Share this article


Read more about

Afcon Africa Cup Of Nations Cameroon Comoros