Reports indicate that chaos erupted when angered fans clashed with police, leading to a tragic stampede. Witness accounts reveal harrowing scenes outside the stadium, and local authorities are urging for order amid the ongoing investigation.
Tragic Stampede at Guinea Football Match Leads to Numerous Fatalities
Tragic Stampede at Guinea Football Match Leads to Numerous Fatalities
A devastating crush during a football match in N'zérékoré, Guinea, has resulted in many fatalities, sparking calls for calm from local leaders.
Despite the tragic backdrop of past stadium violence in Guinea, local leaders are focused on addressing the immediate aftermath of this incident and supporting the injured.
The fatal incident occurred during a match featuring local teams N'zérékoré and Labé in Guinea's second-largest city, resulting in a deadly crush. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed the tragic developments late Sunday, emphasizing the need for calm following a series of disruptions that disrupted the game.
Witnesses describe the situation escalating when a referee's controversial decision led fans to express their outrage by throwing stones onto the pitch. This prompted a strong police response, including the use of tear gas, escalating tensions further. Videos circulating on social media depict chaotic scenes, with spectators attempting to escape and bodies seen on the ground, although the authenticity of these visuals remains unverified.
Medical personnel have reported that multiple bodies were brought to local hospitals, quickly saturating morgue capacity, highlighting the severity of the situation. Prime Minister Bah has announced measures to restore calm, assuring that hospitals are addressing the needs of the injured.
The match was part of a tournament honoring President Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power after a coup in September 2021. This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of Guinea's tumultuous history, particularly the 2009 stadium massacre that claimed 156 lives, a dark event for which former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara was recently sentenced for crimes against humanity.
In the wake of these events, regional authorities continue to seek ways to prevent further discord and to provide necessary support in this time of mourning.
The fatal incident occurred during a match featuring local teams N'zérékoré and Labé in Guinea's second-largest city, resulting in a deadly crush. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed the tragic developments late Sunday, emphasizing the need for calm following a series of disruptions that disrupted the game.
Witnesses describe the situation escalating when a referee's controversial decision led fans to express their outrage by throwing stones onto the pitch. This prompted a strong police response, including the use of tear gas, escalating tensions further. Videos circulating on social media depict chaotic scenes, with spectators attempting to escape and bodies seen on the ground, although the authenticity of these visuals remains unverified.
Medical personnel have reported that multiple bodies were brought to local hospitals, quickly saturating morgue capacity, highlighting the severity of the situation. Prime Minister Bah has announced measures to restore calm, assuring that hospitals are addressing the needs of the injured.
The match was part of a tournament honoring President Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power after a coup in September 2021. This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of Guinea's tumultuous history, particularly the 2009 stadium massacre that claimed 156 lives, a dark event for which former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara was recently sentenced for crimes against humanity.
In the wake of these events, regional authorities continue to seek ways to prevent further discord and to provide necessary support in this time of mourning.
