Tragic stadium crush in Guinea claims 56 lives

A soccer match in Nzerekore, southeast Guinea, descended into chaos on Sunday, leaving at least 56 people dead and many injured in a stampede.

The violence erupted during the final of a tournament honoring Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya.

The turmoil began after a controversial red card decision in the 82nd minute, leading to stone-throwing by fans and police use of tear gas.

Panic ensued, with attendees scrambling for exits, creating a deadly crush. Witnesses reported scenes of horror, with children and minors trampled in the chaos. Videos circulating online showed people scaling walls to escape and dozens of bodies, including children, lying motionless on the ground.

The government has announced an investigation into the tragedy, while critics, including former President Alpha Conde, condemned the event’s poor organization. Conde argued that hosting such tournaments in a politically tense climate exacerbated the risks.

Local officials suggested that many victims were minors caught in the mayhem after police deployed tear gas. Opposition groups accused the junta of using the tournament as political propaganda, violating the transitional charter, and neglecting safety measures.

This incident adds to a history of tragic stadium disasters in Africa, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. Efforts by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football to address overcrowding and safety issues in the region are ongoing.