Eight dead during stampede outside Cameroon stadium

Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroonian capital Yaounde, moments before the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Morocco and Malawi at Stade Ahmadou-Ahidjo in Yaounde on January 25, 2022. Pic/AFP

Eight people were killed and dozens more injured in a crush outside a Cameroonian football stadium ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations match, officials said on Tuesday.

Cameroonian President Paul Biya ordered an investigation into the tragedy that occurred on Monday as crowds attempted to enter the Olembe Stadium in the capital Yaounde to watch the host nation play the Comoros.

Although crowds at the 60,000-seat stadium had been limited to 60 percent of capacity for the tournament because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the cap is raised to 80 percent when
Cameroon's Indomitable Lions play.

"Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their 30s, four men in their 30s, one child, one body taken away by the family," said a preliminary health ministry report.

The ministry said victims were immediately transported in ambulances, but heavy road traffic slowed down the transport.

Communications Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi said 38 people were injured, including seven seriously, according to a statement.

A baby was also reportedly trampled by the crowd, the ministry added.

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