Guinea Stadium Mayhem Claims Over 50 Lives
A tragic stadium mayhem has claimed the lives of at least 56 people in Nzérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city, during a football match, according to government officials.
The death toll, however, is disputed by many locals, with reports suggesting the actual number of casualties could be closer to 100.
The incident occurred during a heated encounter between the home team and visiting side Labé, after controversial referee decisions sparked chaos.
Tensions escalated when the referee sent off two Labé players and awarded a contentious penalty, prompting visiting fans to hurl stones onto the pitch in protest. Local media reported that police responded with tear gas, further aggravating the situation.
Witnesses said fans invaded the pitch, and panic ensued as spectators rushed toward the stadium’s sole exit. Many were crushed in the chaos, while others attempted to climb over walls to escape.
Prime Minister Oury Bah described the events as “tragic” and announced an inquiry to determine responsibility. In a statement, he expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged that justice would be served. “It is a national tragedy, and we must ensure those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
The scale of the disaster became evident at the local hospital, where a doctor told AFP, “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see.”
The doctor added that the morgue was full, and victims had to be placed in hallways. Disturbing images and videos circulating on social media, verified by the BBC, show lifeless bodies, including children, strewn outside the stadium and others attempting to climb walls in desperation.
Paul Sakouvogi, a journalist in Nzérékoré, explained that the overcrowded stadium, with thousands of fans in attendance, was a key factor in the disaster. “There was only one exit,” he said. “In the panic, everyone rushed to it. Those who couldn’t hold on were trampled.”