At least 56 people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries during a violent stampede at a football stadium in Nzerekore, southeastern Guinea, the government confirmed on Monday.
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday during the final match of a local football tournament in Nzerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city, located 570 kilometers from the capital, Conakry.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah announced an investigation to determine those responsible for the deadly incident, which he attributed to fan unrest over controversial refereeing decisions.
“The demonstrations of dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions led to stones being thrown by the fans, causing a deadly stampede. Hospital services report a provisional toll of 56 dead and several injured,” Bah stated.
Witnesses said chaos erupted during the match’s final moments when Labe football team fans protested a goal scored by their rivals, the Nzerekore team. Tensions escalated after refereeing decisions, including two red cards and a penalty against the Labe team.
Local media reported that security forces intervened, allegedly firing tear gas to disperse the crowd, exacerbating the stampede.
The tournament, sponsored by President Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, ended in tragedy as the government paid tribute to the victims and extended condolences to their families.
Unofficial reports had earlier suggested the death toll could be as high as 100. Investigations are ongoing to clarify the events and assign responsibility for the disaster.
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