The government has reported that at least 56 individuals lost their lives in a crash that occurred during clashes at a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city.
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah reported that a “stampede” occurred during the event on Sunday, resulting in several victims, and urged the public to remain calm.
A physician, speaking on the condition of anonymity, informed the AFP news agency that there were “bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital.”
Individuals are sprawled across the floor in the hallways. “The mortuary is at capacity,” he stated.
Reports indicate that law enforcement deployed tear gas in response to an incident where supporters of the visiting team, Labé, hurled stones onto the pitch in frustration directed at the referee.
The situation began with a controversial call made by the referee. “Then fans stormed the pitch,” a witness recounted to AFP.
Footage and photographs circulating on social media depict tumultuous scenes outside the stadium, where large groups are seen trying to scale walls, and multiple bodies are visible on the ground.
Among those lying unresponsive on the ground, there are indications that some may be children.
Paul Sakouvogi, a journalist based in Nzérékoré, reported to the BBC that internet access in the area has been limited, with police stationed at the hospital entrance where the injured receive care.
Six police pick-ups were observed in front of the three entrances to the hospital. Access to the hospital was restricted solely to medical personnel, with others instructed to return the way they arrived.
Prime Minister Bah announced that he was initiating an inquiry to identify those accountable for the recent events, which he described as “tragic.” He extended his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
He also pledged comprehensive medical and psychological support for all those injured.
According to local news outlet MediaGuinée, a tragic crush occurred during a match between Nzérékoré and Labé, drawing thousands of spectators to the event.
Sunday’s match was reportedly part of a tournament held in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power following a coup in September 2021.
In recent months, influential figures in Guinean football have come under heightened scrutiny.
In July, Aboubacar Sampil, the president of the national football organization Feguifoot, found himself at the center of an investigation concerning allegations of corruption and violence within the sport.
A junior colleague has leveled serious accusations against Mr. Sampil, who serves as the head of the board of directors for the local team ASK. The allegations involve claims of facilitating violence and attempting to sway referees during a match in which ASK was trailing 0-1 to Milo FC.
Documents submitted to Feguifoot’s ethics body reveal that the latter team was forced to abandon the game and encountered difficulties in leaving the ground safely.
Mr. Sampil faces allegations of circumventing established protocols and unilaterally appointing individuals to positions.
He has consistently refuted any allegations of misconduct.
