17 killed, many injured, in stampede at Angola stadium

At least 17 people died and scores were injured in a stampede at an Angolan football match yesterday when hundreds of supporters stormed the stadium gates, a medical official said.

The crowd in the northern city of Uige pushed against barriers after failing to gain entry before the start of the match, Angop said.

Many fell and were said.

Ernesto Luis, director general of the local hospital, told Reuters that people had suffocated in the crush.

‘‘Some people had to walk on top of other people. There were 76 state news agency trampled, it casualties, said.

Five of the injured serious condition.

Witnesses said the crowd trying to gain access would have taken the stadium past its 8000 capacity.

‘‘When we wanted to go in, we found a barrier,’’ said 37-year-old of whom died,’’ were in he a fan Joao Silva, who survived crush with a broken foot.

‘‘The first row of people fell down . . . I was in the third layer [of people].’’

Domingos Vika, 35, who broke a hand, also added: ‘‘When they gave the opportunity for everyone to come in, we were all packed at the the gate already.’’

The match between Santa Rita de Cassia and Libolo was part of Angola’s first division championship.

Police and football officials were not immediately available for comment.

- Reuters