On Monday, 24 January, crowds tried entering the Olembe stadium – situated in the capital Yaounde – to watch Cameroon against Comoros. However, the crowd started a stampede, which turned into a crush.
Africa Cup of Nations spectators were immediately taken to hospital
Under normal circumstances, the stadium can hold a capacity of 60 000, however, with Covid-19 regulations set in place, the stadium caps the number of spectators at 60%. But when Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions play, this number is raised to 80%.
And so, with more people than usual, a crush at the entrance to the stadium took place.
According to a preliminary health ministry report, “Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their thirties, four men in their thirties, one child, one body taken away by the family.”
The ministry also said that victims were “immediately transported” in ambulances but “heavy road traffic slowed down the transport”.
Initially, tournament organisers only confirmed that there was a crush but couldn’t confirm how many casualties.
“There was a crush as can happen when there is a stampede. We are waiting for reliable information on the number of casualties in this tragic incident,” Africa Cup of Nations organising committee spokesperson Abel Mbengue said.
A baby was also caught up in the Cameroon crush
About 50 people have been confirmed to be injured during the crush. This includes two people with multiple injuries and two more people who underwent serious head wounds.
It was further reported that a baby was also trampled by the crowd, but the infant was “immediately extracted and taken to Yaounde General Hospital”. According to the ministry, the baby is now in a “medically stable” condition.
Cameroon’s health minister, Manaouda Malachie, visited those that were injured in the crash and said “Everything is done to give them free care and the best support”.