'Deeply saddened': India condoles death of 56 fans in Guinea football stampede

NEW DELHI: India on Friday expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of 56 lives in a stampede during a football tournament in Nzérékoré, Guinea.

In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, “We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic stampede during a football tournament in Nzérékoré, Republic of Guinea, which claimed 56 precious lives and caused immense suffering. On behalf of the Government and the people of India, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and to the people of Guinea during this difficult time.”

The incident occurred on Sunday in Guinea’s second-largest city when chaos broke out during the final match of a national football tournament. The stampede began after fans protested a referee’s decision, leading to widespread panic among the approximately 20,000 to 30,000 spectators gathered at the Third of April Stadium. Many victims were crushed while attempting to flee through the stadium gates.

According to local reports, security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd, further exacerbating the situation. Video footage from the scene showed desperate fans scaling stadium walls in a bid to escape. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with one survivor, Cissé Lancine, recounting, “I was saved because I did not rush towards the exit."

The stampede left dozens injured, some critically, and several children were among the dead. Footage showed people lying on hospital floors as emergency responders and bystanders worked to assist the injured. Checkpoints were set up across Nzérékoré on Monday, with soldiers guarding the hospital where victims were being treated.

The tragedy has cast a spotlight on safety measures and political tensions in the military-led nation. The tournament was reportedly organised to honour Guinea’s military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, whose regime has been criticised for delays in returning to civilian rule.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah has promised an investigation to determine responsibility for the disaster. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, an opposition coalition, accused the government of using the tournament to further political ambitions, calling it "illegal and inappropriate."

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