Senegal probes deadly stampede at stadium

Witnesses said at least eight people have died and more than 50 were injured after a stadium wall collapse and stampede at a soccer match in the Senegalese capital.
Those present said fighting broke out late Saturday between rival fans of US Ouakam and Stade de Mbour and the wall at the Demba Diop stadium in Dakar collapsed as police also fired tear gas.
Seydou Gueye, government spokesman, on Sunday condemned the violence, adding that authorities moved the injured to hospitals around Dakar.
He said an investigation will be opened into the incident.
The government also announced a ban on sports and cultural activities during the legislative campaign period leading to parliamentary elections on July 30.
Speaking at the scene, football fan Mara Die Diouf said policing at the stadium had been inadequate.
“What I find terrible is that we have this kind of final in this kind of stadium here where there isn’t enough security,” he said.
AFP journalists at the scene saw belongings covered in blood at the site, with a pair of glasses and clothing strewn among broken pieces of concrete.
Senegal’s safety record at large gatherings has been heavily criticized this year after the death of dozens of people at a religious retreat in April when a fire ripped through makeshift shelters.

Source: Arab News