Africa Cup of Nations 2021: 6 people dead after the match at Olembe Stadium

6 people were found dead and many were found injured during the match of Cameroon and Comoros at Olembe Stadium in Africa Cup of Nations 2021. As per the state media, a crush happened outside a Cameroonian football stadium.

Due to coronavirus guidelines, the crowd limitations were restricted to 60% of the capacity. Although the Olembe stadium can hold up to 60000 people at once, many tried to get into the stadium forcefully. That led to a crowd of over 80% into the stadium.

Cameroon's state broadcaster CRTV reported that "A crush at the entrance to the Olembe Stadium" caused "half a dozen deaths and dozens have been injured".

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The organisers have already confirmed that there have been casualties. However, they did not enclose any details on that. Although, CRTV reported that, six have been found dead and a dozen have been found seriously injured.

Earlier, the African Cup of Nations was postponed as the grounds were not ready for the games. In addition to that, the tournament was stripped off from Cameron to Qatar over security issues as well.

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CAF has already published a media statement regarding the incident. However, they have not given any numbers of the casualties yet. The statement said, "CAF is aware of the incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations fixture between hosts Cameroon and Comoros tonight, 24 January 2022."

The statement also added, "CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee."

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CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe also sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaoundé.

This is not the first time that a stampede happened during a football match. In 2001, 43 people died in a stampede at Johannesburg's Ellis Park stadium. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs were playing the match.

In 1996, 86 people were found dead after a crush in a World Cup Qualifier match between Guatemala and Costa Rica.

In 1982, in a UEFA Cup match between Spartak Moscow and Haarlem, Netherlands, at Luzhniki Stadium 66 people died in a crush of fans.