Too many spectators trying to get into the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé ahead of the Cameroon vs. Comoros game. There is a stampede at the gates. It’s still unclear what triggered the panic. But it is already clear: too many people are losing their lives.
The first Africa Cup in Cameroon in 50 years has been overshadowed by a mass panic that has killed several people. As the AP news agency reported on Monday evening, citing regional governor Naseri Paul Biya, at least six people died around the time the hosts reached the quarterfinals, and the AFP agency even reported eight dead, citing a report by the Cameroonian Ministry of Health. There could have been more deaths. “We are not able to give you the total number of victims,” said Naseri Paul Biya. At least 40 people were injured.
The panic before the game against Comoros in the Stade d’Olembé in the capital Yaoundé is said to have been triggered because many people did not come to the stadium. According to witnesses, stewards closed the entrance gates to the stadium. Photos show how several people – including children – are lying on the ground and others are apparently trying to help them.
Heavy traffic prevents rapid patient transport
The Health Ministry said the victims were “immediately” taken away in ambulances, but “heavy traffic slowed the move.” The African continental association CAF said it was investigating the situation and trying to get more details about what was happening. On Tuesday morning, the association wants to hold an emergency meeting with the organizing committee.
According to the information, 50,000 people tried to watch Cameroon’s game against Comoros (2-1). 60,000 visitors fit into the stadium, but due to the Corona regulations, only 80 percent of the seats (48,000) were allowed to be filled. Bundesliga professional Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting from FC Bayern Munich also represented Cameroon.
The African Football Association (CAF) said it was aware of the incident and was gathering more information. One is in exchange with the government of Cameroon and the local organizing committee. Secretary-General Veron Mosengo-Omba was sent to the hospital to visit the injured.
Cameroon has hosted the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time since 1972. The country in the middle of the continent was supposed to host the tournament in 2019, but was withdrawn from the tournament because of concerns that the stadiums would not be suitable. Egypt hosted the counterpart to the European Championship back then.
