Deaths Reported Following Stampede at AFCON Match in Cameroon

Storyful
2 年前

At least eight people were reported killed following a stampede at an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game between Cameroon and Comoros in Yaounde, Cameroon, on the evening of January 24, according to reports citing the Cameroonian goverment.

Health officials said that at least 40 people were injured and being treated at local medical facilities. Following the game, Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health Dr Manaouda Malachie tweeted that he was visiting patients at hospitals who suffered injuries in the stampede.

In a statement, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it was investigating the incident, which took place at Olembe Stadium in Cameroon’s capital.

This footage, recorded by journalist Esther Ayimbo Kouo, shows people climbing over fencing in an elevated area outside the stadium, as well as gating that’s been knocked down, and also captures an ambulance driving by. Other video that circulated on Monday saw fans forcing their way through narrow openings in gates outside the stadium.

Despite the tragedy outside, the game within the arena went ahead. Cameroon emerged victorious, 2-1, after Comoros were reduced to ten men by a red card in the 7th minute. The AFCON host nation will play Gambia in the quarterfinals on January 29. Credit: Esther Ayimbo Kouo via Storyful