Madagascar: Horrific stampede at capital's stadium, 120 casualties

SGGPO 08/26/2023 07:20

According to Straits Times, 13 people, including 7 children, were killed and 107 others were injured in a horrific stampede that occurred on the afternoon of August 25 (local time) at the entrance to Barea Stadium in the capital city of Antananarivo, Madagascar. The incident occurred right before the opening ceremony of the 11th Indian Ocean Games.

Transporting the bodies of the victims of the stampede to the morgue. Photo: VNA

Before the tragedy, 50,000 people gathered at Barea Stadium for the opening ceremony. The cause of the stampede is currently under investigation.

At the opening ceremony of the 11th Indian Ocean Games, the Organizing Committee observed a minute of silence for the unfortunate victims of the stampede.

Madagascar Prime Minister Christian Ntsay has sent his condolences to the families of the victims, and pledged that the government will cover all medical costs for the injured.

Madagascar: Horrific stampede at capital's stadium, 120 casualties photo 1

Ambulances arrive at the scene of the stampede. Photo: Straits Times

Barea Stadium has been the site of deadly stampedes before. On June 26, 2019, a stampede at the site left 15 people dead and 75 injured. At the time, the stadium was called Mahamasina. The stampede occurred as crowds crowded together to attend the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

Another stampede also occurred on September 9, 2018, also at the entrance of a stadium, killing one person and injuring 47 others during a football match between Madagascar and Senegal.

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