January 25, (THEWILL) – A fatal crush at a Cameroonian football stadium on Monday killed eight people and injured over 50 others ahead of a TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations match.
The unfortunate occurrence happened when crowds attempted to access Olembe stadium in Yaounde’s city through a southern entrance to watch the host nation play Comoros.
Although the stadium’s capacity of 60,000 had been capped due to fears of coronavirus, when Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions played, the 60 percent cap was boosted to 80 percent.
According to a preliminary health ministry report obtained by AFP, “Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their thirties, four men in their thirties, one child, one body taken away by the family,” with the victims being “immediately transported” in ambulances, that were slowed down by “heavy road traffic”.
Information from the ministry revealed that 50 individuals were hurt in the crush, including two persons who suffered multiple injuries and two others who suffered significant head wounds.
Unfortunately, a newborn was also trampled upon by the throng, but the child was “immediately extracted and taken to Yaounde General Hospital” and is in a “medically stable” condition.
The tournament’s organisers had previously confirmed that casualties had been reported but did not provide any additional information.
Abel Mbengue, a spokeswoman for AFCON’s organising committee, revealed: “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”.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which oversees the continent’s flagship tournament, said it was “investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired” The organisation announced in an online statement that its secretary general had been dispatched to “visit the supporters in hospital in Yaounde”
It further stated that it was in “constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organising Committee”
Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon’s health minister, tweeted photos of himself visiting a hospital treating those injured in the incident.
“Everything is done to give them free care and the best support,” he tweeted.
On Tuesday, CAF will conduct a “crisis meeting” with the organising committee to discuss security issues in the stadiums.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
