Several Killed in Stampede at Guinea Football Match

At least 56 people have tragically lost their lives in a stampede during a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city. The government has confirmed the death toll, and reports suggest that the violence stemmed from a disputed decision by the referee, which ignited intense unrest among the crowd.

According to initial reports, the incident unfolded after the referee made a controversial decision to send off two players from the visiting team, Labé, and awarded a contentious penalty kick. The decision sparked outrage among Labé’s supporters, who then began to throw stones towards the pitch in protest. This quickly escalated into chaos, with fans invading the field in anger. Local media described the situation as increasingly volatile, with the crowd becoming uncontrollable. To disperse the agitated fans, police were forced to use tear gas, but this only added to the pandemonium.

Prime Minister Oury Bah of Guinea, in a statement following the incident, expressed his shock and grief, calling the events “tragic.” He assured the public that an inquiry would be launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede and to identify those responsible for the violence. The Prime Minister also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who perished in the disaster, offering his support to the bereaved. The government has committed to providing medical and psychological assistance to the injured.

A doctor who was at the local hospital, speaking under the condition of anonymity, described the overwhelming scene inside the facility. “Bodies are lined up as far as the eye can see,” he said, adding that there were numerous victims lying on the floor in the hallways. He further reported that the hospital’s morgue was filled to capacity. These distressing reports highlight the severity of the situation and the overwhelming impact the tragedy has had on the local community.

Social media footage from the scene, verified by the BBC, shows the chaotic aftermath outside the stadium. In the images and videos, large groups of people are seen attempting to climb over stadium walls, while others are lying motionless on the ground. Some of the individuals who were injured appeared to be children, further emphasizing the devastating nature of the incident. The sight of helpless, unresponsive bodies amid the turmoil has deeply shocked both local and international observers.

A local journalist, Paul Sakouvogi, who was reporting from Nzérékoré, shared further details of the situation. According to Sakouvogi, internet access in the region was restricted following the incident, likely as part of efforts to control the flow of information and prevent further unrest. Additionally, police were stationed outside the hospital to monitor the situation. “I observed six police pick-ups positioned at the three entrances to the hospital,” he explained. “Only medical staff were permitted to enter, and others, including the families of the victims, were told to turn away.”

Guinea’s football federation, Feguifoot, also expressed its grief over the tragedy. In a statement, the federation described the events as a moment of “intense pain” and reminded the public that football is intended to “unite hearts and bring minds closer,” not to cause “tragedy and grief.” The association’s message reflects the deep sorrow felt across the football community in Guinea and beyond, as the sport is meant to bring people together in celebration, not in sorrow.

The match between Nzérékoré and Labé was a highly anticipated fixture, and thousands of spectators were present when the stampede occurred. Local news website MediaGuinée reported that the large crowd quickly became agitated after the referee’s decision, which ultimately led to the violence. As tensions escalated, the situation spiraled out of control, resulting in the tragic loss of life.

In response to the disaster, the government and local authorities have promised to investigate the causes of the stampede and hold those responsible accountable. The incident highlights the dangers of overcrowding at large sporting events, as well as the potential for violence when tensions run high. With thousands of people gathered at the stadium and emotions running high due to the contentious decisions made during the match, the situation quickly became unmanageable.

The authorities are expected to take significant steps to improve safety at future sporting events in Guinea, as the events in Nzérékoré have exposed serious issues regarding crowd control and security. As investigations continue, the public and the international community are awaiting answers about how such a tragedy could have been prevented.

The stampede at the Nzérékoré football match serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective crowd management and the need for safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Guinea’s government and football authorities must now take decisive action to ensure the safety of spectators and prevent such a devastating tragedy from happening again.