A soccer game in the West African country of Guinea on Dec. 1 ended in tragedy after a crowd stampede at the stadium left more than 50 dead and several others injured.
According to The Associated Press, at least 56 people, including children, have died after the fan rush. It happened in the city of Nzérékoré during the final match of a local tournament between the Labe and Nzérékoré teams honoring Guinean interim president Mamadi Doumbouya. After referees made a controversial call in the game, some angry fans began throwing stones, prompting stadium security guards to use tear gas. That sent adults and children scattering onto the field and trying to escape from the stadium.
The incident has overwhelmed local medical facilities, according to the BBC. One unnamed doctor there were "bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital," adding that "others are lying on the floor in the hallways" and "the morgue is full."
BREAKING :At least 56 people, including several children, have lost their lives in a stampede at a football match in Guinea ???????? that resulted from a controversial refereeing decision towards the end of the game.pic.twitter.com/2BZTpk30L9
— Futa Fiti (@FutaFitii) December 2, 2024
At least 56 people, including several children, have died in a stampede at a football match in Guinea. ????????
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) December 2, 2024
The stampede broke out after a controversial refereeing decision towards the end of the game. pic.twitter.com/QtHBKuJR3F
WARNING: DISTURBING VISUALS ! Tragic Stampede at Guinea Football Match Claims Over 56 Lives
— Subodh Kumar (@kumarsubodh_) December 2, 2024
At least 56 people died in a stampede during a football match in N'Zerekore, Guinea, after fan clashes erupted over a referee's decision.
Hospital sources fear the toll could rise, with… pic.twitter.com/pbMcIdn24Y
Bah Oury, the West African nation's prime minister, condemned the crowd's actions in a statement on social media.
"The government deplores the incidents that tainted the football match between the Labe and Nzérékoré teams this afternoon in Nzérékoré. During the stampede, victims [died]," he said. "The regional authorities are working to restore calm and serenity among the population. The government is monitoring the development of the situation and reiterates its call for calm so that hospital services are not hindered in providing first aid to the injured. The moral authorities of the city are requested to also contribute to the restoration of social tranquility."
Le gouvernement déplore les incidents qui ont émaillé le match de football entre les équipes de Labe et Nzerekore cet après-midi à Nzerekore . Lors de la bousculade des victimes sont enregistrées. Les autorités régionales sont à pied d’œuvre pour rétablir le calme et la sérénité…
— Bah Oury (@bahourykigna) December 1, 2024
