At least six people died and dozens were injured on Monday January 24, 2022 during a stampede outside the Olembé Stadium in Yaoundé, according to Cameroon state media.
RFI reports that images circulating on social media show screaming fans, including children, being crushed at an entrance gate to the 60,000-seat stadium just before the a knockout match between Cameroon and Comoros.
The injured were taken to hospitals around Yaoundé as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) which organises the biennial competition – launched an inquiry into the incident. “CAF is… trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee,” it said in a statement.
The Olembé Stadium is the showpiece site for the Cup of Nations. The arena was the venue for the opening ceremony and is due to stage two more games before hosting the final on February 6, 2022.
An Associated Press article says the incident is the second serious blow to the country. At least 17 people died in a fire set by a series of explosions at a nightclub in Yaounde on Sunday January 23, 2022. Following that incident, Cameroon President Paul Biya urged the country to be on guard while it hosts its biggest national sports event in a half century.
