A horrific incident during a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea, has led to an estimated 135 fatalities, according to human rights groups, although the government has reported a lower toll of 56. Panic ensued after a contentious refereeing decision, leading to chaos as fans attempted to escape. The stadium, described as overcrowded with limited exits, proved fatal for many. The military government has launched an inquiry into the disaster, warning against the spread of unverified information, while rights organizations criticized the excessive use of tear gas by security personnel. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning amid ongoing controversies surrounding the tragedy.
Tragedy Strikes Guinea: Over 135 Fatalities in Stadium Crush
Tragedy Strikes Guinea: Over 135 Fatalities in Stadium Crush
Human rights organizations report a devastating stadium crush incident in Guinea during a football match, claiming over 135 lives, primarily those of children.
Human rights groups in Guinea have reported that a devastating crush at a football stadium on Sunday resulted in the deaths of over 135 fans, with children comprising a significant portion of the casualties. This estimate, still unverified, starkly contrasts with the official death toll of 56 issued by the military government. Witness accounts, alongside information from hospital records, cemeteries, and various local communities, contributed to the rights group's figures. Furthermore, over 50 people remain unaccounted for.
The incident occurred following a contentious decision made by the referee during the match, which ignited violence and subsequent panic among the crowd. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas, leading to chaos as fans tried to escape the turmoil. Critics have directed their anger at the event's organizers and the military junta governing Guinea, suggesting negligence in crowd control and safety measures during the event, which was staged in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya.
Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba announced the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the tragedy and warned that those spreading "unverified or malicious information" would face arrest and prosecution. Amidst this backdrop, a local journalist characterized the stadium as being "packed to the rafters," emphasizing its inadequate exits, which contributed to the disaster as thousands sought escape.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning for the victims. Government spokesperson Ousmane Gaoual expressed that the country is united in its mourning and emphasized the importance of respecting the grieving families. Despite significant discrepancies in reported figures, he asserted that the government did not proclaim its numbers as final.
Guinea is among several African nations currently prohibited from hosting international football matches due to non-compliance with international safety standards. Other countries facing such sanctions include Ethiopia, Gambia, Chad, and Sierra Leone.
This situation highlights the urgent need for improved safety protocols in sporting events, as evidenced by the recent tragedy that has left a deep scar on the Guinean community.
The incident occurred following a contentious decision made by the referee during the match, which ignited violence and subsequent panic among the crowd. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas, leading to chaos as fans tried to escape the turmoil. Critics have directed their anger at the event's organizers and the military junta governing Guinea, suggesting negligence in crowd control and safety measures during the event, which was staged in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya.
Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba announced the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the tragedy and warned that those spreading "unverified or malicious information" would face arrest and prosecution. Amidst this backdrop, a local journalist characterized the stadium as being "packed to the rafters," emphasizing its inadequate exits, which contributed to the disaster as thousands sought escape.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning for the victims. Government spokesperson Ousmane Gaoual expressed that the country is united in its mourning and emphasized the importance of respecting the grieving families. Despite significant discrepancies in reported figures, he asserted that the government did not proclaim its numbers as final.
Guinea is among several African nations currently prohibited from hosting international football matches due to non-compliance with international safety standards. Other countries facing such sanctions include Ethiopia, Gambia, Chad, and Sierra Leone.
This situation highlights the urgent need for improved safety protocols in sporting events, as evidenced by the recent tragedy that has left a deep scar on the Guinean community.
