Dozens killed in crush at Guinea football match
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At least 56 people have died following a deadly crush at a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city, the government confirmed. The tragic incident occurred during a match between the local team, Nzérékoré, and Labé, a visiting side. Prime Minister Oury Bah condemned the violence and announced that an inquiry would be launched to identify those responsible for the chaos. In a statement, he expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, calling the events “tragic.”
A doctor who spoke to AFP described the aftermath, saying, “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the hallways, and the morgue is full.” The scene at the hospital was described as grim, with overwhelming casualties. Local media reports indicated that the incident began when Labé supporters, angered by a contested decision made by the referee, threw stones onto the pitch. The situation escalated when the crowd surged onto the field, leading to the stampede.
Social media videos and images have shown disturbing scenes of chaos outside the stadium. Large crowds were seen trying to climb over walls, and several bodies lay on the ground, including what appeared to be children among the casualties. These videos have not been independently verified by the BBC. According to Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist, internet access in the region was restricted in the aftermath of the incident, and police were stationed at the hospital to prevent unauthorized access. Six police vehicles were reportedly positioned at the hospital’s entrances, allowing only medical personnel to enter while others were turned away.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Bah offered condolences to the victims and promised medical and psychological support for the injured. The government is taking the matter seriously, with authorities launching an investigation into the incident. Thousands of spectators were present at the match when the tragic crush occurred, local reports said. The match was part of a tournament held in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya, who took power in a military coup in September 2021. The tournament, which has seen similar events across the country, has been criticized by the opposition as a political tactic to boost Doumbouya’s support ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
The fatal incident also comes at a time of heightened scrutiny in Guinean football. In July, Aboubacar Sampil, president of the country’s football governing body, Feguifoot, became embroiled in a corruption and violence investigation within the sport. A junior colleague accused Sampil of enabling violence during a match between local teams, where tensions arose after Sampil’s side, ASK, was losing to Milo FC. The latter team reportedly faced difficulty in safely leaving the pitch after the match was abandoned. Allegations against Sampil also include bypassing protocol and making unilateral appointments. Despite these accusations, Sampil has denied any wrongdoing.
The tragic events in Nzérékoré are a stark reminder of the potential dangers at large-scale sporting events, particularly when tensions between fans, players, and officials escalate. The government’s inquiry will likely focus on the factors that led to the violence and the ensuing stampede, with the aim of preventing future incidents. The country’s football leadership is also under increasing pressure to address corruption and violence that has plagued the sport in recent months. As the nation mourns the loss of dozens of lives, many are calling for accountability and reforms to ensure the safety of spectators at future events.
The death toll from the stampede has left a profound impact on Guinea, and with the investigation underway, authorities hope to bring those responsible to justice while providing support to the injured and their families.
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