Eight people have died and about 50 injured in a crush outside a football stadium in Cameroon ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations match.
Crowds tried to enter through a southern entrance at Olembe Stadium in the capital Yaounde to watch the host nation play Comoros.
Although the stadium can fit 60,000 spectators but due to coronavirus has been limited to 60%. That was, however, raised to 80% when Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions played.
According to a preliminary health ministry report, “Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their thirties, four men in their thirties, one child, one body taken away by the family”.
The ministry said victims were “immediately transported” in ambulances, but “heavy road traffic slowed down the transport”.
About 50 people were injured in the crush, including two people with multiple injuries and two more with serious head wounds, said the ministry.
A baby was also reportedly trampled by the crowd, added the ministry, although the infant was “immediately extracted and taken to Yaounde General Hospital” and is in a “medically stable” condition.
Organisers of the tournament had earlier confirmed that casualties had been recorded without providing further details.
“There was a crush as can happen when there is a stampede. We are waiting for reliable information on the number of casualties in this tragic incident,” said Afcon organizing committee spokesperson Abel Mbengue.
