Guinea Stadium Crush Claims 56 Lives After Referee Decision Sparks Chaos
A tragic incident in Guinea has left at least 56 people dead following a violent outbreak triggered by a controversial refereeing decision during a soccer match. The disaster unfolded during the final of a tournament held in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, in the southeastern city of Nzerekore, one of the country’s largest urban areas.
The crisis began when a contentious decision by the referee caused outrage among the fans, leading to a series of stone-throwing protests. In response to the escalating violence, chaos ensued, and panic swept through the stadium. Videos circulating online showed desperate scenes of people climbing high walls in an attempt to escape the crush. According to officials, many of the victims were minors who were caught in the turmoil as police deployed tear gas to regain control of the situation.
The victims’ bodies were found in disturbing conditions, with some parents frantically retrieving the lifeless bodies of their children before they were officially counted. The death toll, which is expected to rise, includes a significant number of young victims, adding to the heart-wrenching nature of the tragedy.
In the aftermath, Guinea’s government promised a full investigation into the incident. However, opposition groups, such as the National Alliance for Change and Democracy, have criticized the government for organizing such a politically charged tournament in violation of the country’s transition charter. The groups argue that this was an attempt to bolster Doumbouya’s political support ahead of a scheduled presidential election.
This heartbreaking event has prompted widespread calls for accountability, as the nation grapples with the consequences of the deadly stadium crush.
Guinea Stadium Crush Claims 56 Lives After Referee Decision Sparks Chaos
