Inquiry into football stadium stampede

At least 17 people were killed in the incident in Angola

LUANDA // Angola yesterday announced an investigation into a stadium stampede that killed at least 17 people, including children, a day earlier. The government set up a commission to investigate the tragedy in the northern town of Uige, which also left scores of people injured at a domestic league match between host team Santa Rita de Cassia and Recreativo de Libolo on the opening day of the season.

Another panel will be set up to help the families of the victims and assist in organising funerals.

“There was a blockage at the entrance to the January 4 stadium,” said police spokesman Orlando Bernardo. “This obstruction caused multiple fatalities – 17 deaths, and there are 56 injured in the hospital.”

Police said hundreds of fans had tried to enter the packed stadium to see the match, causing a crush that pushed some people to the ground.

Many of the dead were trampled or suffocated.

“While the players were on the field, outside fans were trying to get into the stadium and a gate probably gave way to the pressure of the crowd, causing several people to fall who were trampled on by the crowd,” the Recreativo de Libolo club said. Some witnesses said many fans did not have tickets to the match. The president of the host team reportedly blamed security forces for not properly controlling the crowd.

“There was serious police error in letting the people so close to the field,” Pedro Nzolonzi said.

“Many of them did not want to pay and those who had tickets could not get in. Then the confusion began. “It is all the fault of the police. “It was easy to avoid. They just need to extend the safety cordon.”

Many people were trampled to death or suffocated