A stampede at a soccer match in Nzerekore, Guinea, has resulted in the deaths of 56 people, according to a provisional government toll. The incident occurred during the final of a tournament held in honor of Guinea's military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, at a stadium in one of the nation's largest cities.
The chaos was reportedly sparked by a controversial refereeing decision, which led to fan violence and a subsequent crush. Some spectators threw stones, causing panic and a stampede. The government has promised an investigation into the tragedy.
A video authenticated by Reuters depicts dozens of people attempting to escape by climbing over high walls. An official from the city's administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that many of the victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police fired tear gas. The official described scenes of confusion and chaos, with some parents retrieving bodies before they were officially counted.
Videos and pictures shared online showed victims lined up on the ground, with one video showing over a dozen inert bodies, several of them children. Reuters was unable to immediately verify this footage.
The opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy has accused the authorities of organizing tournaments to bolster political support for Doumbouya, in violation of a transition charter that was supposed to lead to a promised presidential election. There has been no immediate response from the military junta to these accusations.
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