AFCON: At Least Six People Dead In Stampede Outside Olembe Stadium Yaounde

At Least Six People Dead In Stampede Outside Olembe Stadium Yaounde during the Afcon match. Several eye-witness statements shows the incident occurred by the entrance to the stadium. Prior to kick off at the Stadium in Olembe some supporters got crashed trying to get in the stadium.

Reports have it that about 50,000 people had tried to attend the match between hosting country Cameroon and Comoros. The Olembe stadium has a capacity of 60,000. But due to COVID restrictions it is not allowed to take in more than 80%. Due to that the supporters had to force in to watch they favourite play.

The Regional Governor, Naseri Paul Biya, said there could be more casualties. The hospital in the area reports at least 40 had been injured in the stampede.

CAF in a statement said it is aware of the incident and are trying to get more details on what happened. While CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe on his part sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit the supporters in hospital in Olembe.

Premier League club Everton paid tribute to those who lost their lives outside the stadium. In a tweet, the club wrote:

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with the families of those fans who have lost their lives and anyone affected by the tragic events at today’s #AFCON2021 match between Cameroon and Comoros in Yaounde. RIP.”

Few of those who died have been identified, alongside the injured ones. A magistrate and former auditor at the Supreme Court, Ebaneck Desmond, was among the 8 confirmed people who  died from the Stampede at the Olemebe Stadium this evening. 

May their souls rest in peace.