At least six people were killed in a stampede outside the stadium in an African Cup of Nations football game in Cameroon, officials have said.
The stampede happened as crowds struggled to gain access to Olembe Stadium in the capital, Yaounde, to watch the host nation play Comoros in a last 16 knockout match.
A regional governor, Naseri Paul Biya, said there could be more casualties, as a hospital in the area reported at least 40 had been injured in the stampede.
“We will have to evacuate them to a specialised hospital.”
The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but it was not meant to be more than 80% full due to COVID restrictions.
Cameroon is hosting Africa’s flagship football tournament for the first time in 50 years
President of Confederation of African Football to visit supporters
In a statement, the Confederation of African Football said that it is “aware of the incident” at the Olembe Stadium and are “trying to get more details on what transpired”.
Officials said almost 50,000 people tried to attend the match at the Olembe Stadium. Pic AP
“We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the local organising committee,” CAF said.
“Tonight, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaoundé.”
Source : Sky Sports
