AFCON: At least six people confirmed dead and multiple supporters hospitalised after ‘stampede’
At least six people dead and multiple supporters hospitalised after ‘stampede’ ahead of Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon’s match against Comoros at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde
Images online show fans breaking through gates at the Olembe Stadium There were reports of a crush at the entrance to the stadium, with officials saying at least 40 people have been injured from the stampede An official says at least six people have died but Naseri Paul Biya, governor of the central region of Cameroon, added that there could be more casualties Despite the incident, the match did kick-off on time as Cameroon beat ComorosOfficials say around 50,000 people tried to attend the game despite an official limit of 48,000 due to coronavirus restrictions
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An official says at least 6 people have died in what has been described as a stampede outside a stadium in Cameroon ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations match.
Naseri Paul Biya, governor of the central region of Cameroon, added that there could be more casualties, saying: ‘we are not in position to give you the total number of casualties.’
Multiple supporters have reportedly been hospitalised too, with images on social media showing fans breaking through gates ahead of Cameroon’s match against Comoros on Monday evening at the Olembe Stadium in the Cameroon capital of Yaounde.
There were reports of a crush as people made their way into the stadium and news outlet LSI Africa is reporting that those injured have been transported to the nearby Messassi Hospital.
Officials at the nearby hospital said they had received at least 40 injured people from the stampede.
‘Some of the injured are in desperate condition,’ said Olinga Prudence, a nurse. ‘We will have to evacuate them to a specialised hospital.’
Witnesses at the stadium said children were among those caught up in the crush. The witnesses said it happened when stadium stewards closed the gates and stopped allowing people in.
An official says at least 6 people have died in a stampede outside a stadium in Cameroon ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations match
Despite the incident, the match did kick-off on time as Cameroon beat Comoros 2-1
Officials said around 50,000 people had tried to attend the match.
The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but it was not meant to be more than 80 per cent full – a capacity of 48,000 – for the game due to restrictions on the size of the crowd because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the incident, the match did kick-off on time as Cameroon beat Comoros 2-1 to seal their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
A statement from tournament organisers CAF (Confederation of African Football) read: ‘CAF is aware of the incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations fixture between hosts Cameroon and Comoros tonight, 24 January 2022.
Officials said around 50,000 people had tried to attend the match, despite a 48,000 limit
‘CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired.
‘We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee.
‘Tonight, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaounde.’
Cameroon is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 50 years – it was meant to host the tournament in 2019 but the event was taken away that year and awarded to Egypt because of serious concerns with Cameroon’s preparations, particularly the readiness of its stadiums.
Fans were still seen enjoying the spectacle inside the stadium despite the tragic incident
Olembe Stadium was one of the venues that was under scrutiny.
Monday’s incident was the second serious blow to the country in the space of a day, after at least 17 people died from a fire set off by a series of explosions at a nightclub in Yaounde on Sunday.
Following that incident, Cameroon President Paul Biya urged the country to be on guard while it hosts its biggest national sports event in a half century.
