Eight people were killed and dozens others injured in a crush outside a Cameroonian football stadium ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations match, officials said Tuesday (Jan 25). Cameroonian President Paul Biya ordered an investigation into the tragedy that occurred Monday as crowds attempted to enter Olembe stadium in the capital Yaounde to watch the host nation play Comoros.
At least eight people have been killed and dozens more injured in a crush outside an Africa Cup of Nations football match in Cameroon.
Videos showed crowds of screaming football fans being crushed at the entry gates to the Paul Biya stadium in the capital Yaounde.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes outside the ground as thousands of fans struggled to get access.
Of the 38 people who were injured, seven are in a serious condition.
One child is among the dead, according to officials quoted by the AFP news agency.
The stadium has a capacity of 60,000, but because of Covid restrictions it was not meant to be more than 80% full for the game on Monday.
Match officials were quoted as saying that some 50,000 people were trying to attend.
(Compiled)
