At least eight people have died outside Cameroon’s African Cup of Nations game against Comoros in Yaounde. 38 other persons were injured in the crush ahead of the game played at Olembé Stadium with a capacity of 60,000. The stadium was only supposed to be 80 per cent full due to Covid restrictions, however 50,000 fans tried to attend the match, according to officials. Videos showed screaming fans being crushed at the entry gate to the stadium. Witnesses described chaotic scenes outside the ground as thousands of fans struggled to get access. Cameroon President Paul Biya has confirmed the launching of an enquiry into the incident, while the Confederation of African Football announced on Monday that they were beginning their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, adding that a minute’s silence will be observed at future matches as a mark of respect to those who died.
“The first summary of the stampede is that there are eight deaths and 38 injured, of whom 31 have light injuries and seven serious,” a statement from the Ministry of Communication said.
“The deceased were taken to the Emergency Centre in Yaounde for appropriate formalities, while the injured were sent to four different health centres in the city of Yaounde.
“They were immediately alerted following instruction from the President of the Republic Paul Biya.”
