Dozens feared dead in Guinea stadium stampede
At least 56 people have been killed in a crush at a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, Nzérékoré, the government says.
That death toll is disputed by many in the country, who believe the true number of dead is closer to 100.
Some reports indicate that events unravelled following a decision by the referee, who sent off two players from the visiting team, Labé, and awarded a controversial penalty kick.
An inquiry is being launched to find those responsible, Prime Minister Oury Bah said in a statement, calling the events “tragic” and offering his condolences to the bereaved.
One doctor, who did not want to be named, told AFP news agency there were “bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital”.
“Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full,” he added.
Local media said police had used tear gas after supporters of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones towards the pitch in anger at the referee.
“It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch,” one witness told AFP.
Videos and images on social media verified by the BBC show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds attempting to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground.
Some of those lying unresponsive on the ground appear to be children.
Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré, told the BBC that internet access in the region had been restricted, and that police were guarding the entrance to the hospital where the injured were being treated.
“I observed six police pick-ups positioned in front of the three entrances to the hospital. They allowed only the medical staff to access the hospital, while the others were told to go back the way they came.”
Prime Minister Bah has paid tribute to the dozens of people killed and promised full medical and psychological support to all those injured.
Guinea’s football body, Feguifoot, has called it a moment of “intense pain” and said that football is meant to “unite hearts and bring minds closer” not cause “tragedy and grief”.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in a statement from its president, Patrice Motsepe.
Guinea is one of several countries including Ethiopia, Gambia, Chad, Sierra Leone that are currently banned from holding international football matches because CAF says its venues do not meet international standards. —BBC
