Tragedy Strikes as Death Toll Rises in Guinea Football Match Stampede

Local reports detail a tragic scene as chaos erupted during a football match, raising concerns over public safety and crowd control measures in the region.

Dozens of fatalities have been reported following a crush at a football match in Guinea's N'zérékoré, according to various local media sources. Tensions escalated during the match between local teams N'zérékoré and Labé, when angry supporters of the visiting team started throwing stones at the referee, resulting in tear gas being deployed by police to regain control.

Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed that the stampede led to numerous victims and urged for calm amidst the unfolding crisis. A doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that many bodies were accounted for at a local hospital, indicating the morgue was already at capacity.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as fans rushed onto the pitch following a disputed referee call, signaling the moment when pandemonium broke out. Social media outlets shared videos depicting disturbing images of crowds scrambling and multiple victims on the ground, although these accounts have yet to be independently confirmed by the BBC.

Influencing the atmosphere, the match was part of a tournament honoring President Mamadi Doumbouya, who took power in a coup in September 2021. The incident resurrects memories of a horrific tragedy that occurred in Guinea's history, where 156 individuals were killed in a stadium during security forces' violent repression of a peaceful protest in 2009. The former military leader at that time was recently sentenced to 20 years for crimes committed during that incident.

As regional authorities work tirelessly to restore order, hospitals continue to treat injured patrons from the match. The sorrowful event has placed a crucial spotlight on the urgent need for enhanced security measures at large public gatherings in Guinea.