Amidst rising concerns over safety at sporting events, over 135 football fans are believed to have perished in a tragic crush at a stadium in Guinea, spurred by chaotic circumstances following a controversial match.
Tragedy Strikes in Guinea as Stadium Crush Claims Over 135 Lives
Tragedy Strikes in Guinea as Stadium Crush Claims Over 135 Lives
Human rights organizations report a devastating loss of life during a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea, highlighting mismanagement.
Human rights groups in Guinea report that the death toll from a stadium crush during a football match on Sunday may exceed 135, most of whom are said to be children. This staggering figure starkly contrasts with the official count of 56. These organizations claim their estimate is grounded in accounts from hospitals, cemeteries, eyewitnesses, and local families. Alarmingly, more than 50 individuals are still unaccounted for. In response, the military government has cautioned against sharing "unverified" statistics, asserting ongoing investigations in Nzérékoré, the country’s second-largest city.
Minister of Justice Yaya Kaïraba Kaba announced the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the incident, warning that those spreading "malicious information" would face arrest and prosecution. The disaster unfolded after a controversial referee decision ignited unrest, resulting in police deploying tear gas as attendees attempted to escape. Rights organizations blamed the tragedy on both the event's planners and the military junta governing Guinea, who organized the tournament in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya.
Witnesses noted that the stadium was dangerously overcrowded, with a single, insufficient exit that became the site of the deadly crush as spectators rushed to leave. Following the event, Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual acknowledged the nation’s sorrow while reiterating that the figures released by the government are provisional.
Guinea, alongside several other African nations, faces a ban from hosting international football matches due to noncompliance with safety standards, underscoring the urgent need for reform in event management practices.
Minister of Justice Yaya Kaïraba Kaba announced the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the incident, warning that those spreading "malicious information" would face arrest and prosecution. The disaster unfolded after a controversial referee decision ignited unrest, resulting in police deploying tear gas as attendees attempted to escape. Rights organizations blamed the tragedy on both the event's planners and the military junta governing Guinea, who organized the tournament in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya.
Witnesses noted that the stadium was dangerously overcrowded, with a single, insufficient exit that became the site of the deadly crush as spectators rushed to leave. Following the event, Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual acknowledged the nation’s sorrow while reiterating that the figures released by the government are provisional.
Guinea, alongside several other African nations, faces a ban from hosting international football matches due to noncompliance with safety standards, underscoring the urgent need for reform in event management practices.
