Madagascar: Stadium Stampede Kills 15, Injures 75
What was supposed to be an occasion of national pride for Madagascar quickly turned into a tragedy, as crowds of people stampeded out of Mahamasina Stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday, 26 June.
Per reports, the tragedy happened as the African nation celebrated the 59th anniversary of its independence. People attempted to enter the venue in the capital city but surged when they discovered the doors closed – leaving 75 injured and at least 15 dead.
Witnesses claim the gates were locked and blocked by the police.
General Richard Ravalomanana, who was in charge of the National Gendarmerie, explained: “The show was about to start and people heard they could enter the stadium, but the police had left the doors closed. People tried to force the doors, but they remained closed.”
Professor Olivat Rakoto Alson of the nearby Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital expects the death toll to rise, as several of the injured receiving medical care are in a critical condition.
A similar incident occurred in September last year during a soccer match between Madagascar and Senegal, in which a stampede killed one and injured 37.
