At least six football fans were killed in a stampede during an Africa Cup of Nations match.
The governor of Cameroon’s central region has said that several others were injured in a crowd outside Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon.
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Panic spread outside the match between Cameroon and Comoros, with horror reports of fans being crushed.
Shocking photos show fans unconscious on the ground, while others are attempting to resuscitate by mouth.
Another video showed a massive stampede of fans from the gate of the 60,000-capacity stadium.
Officials said the stadium was not more than 80 percent full for the game due to Covid regulations – but more than 50,000 people tried to attend.
Local media reported that dozens of fans were taken to hospital with children among the injured.
Cameroon’s Central Region Governor Nasseri Paul Biya said there could be more casualties.
And officials at nearby Mesasi Hospital said they had received at least 40 injured people from the stampede.
Nurse Olinga Prudence said: “Some of the injured are in very bad condition.
“We have to take them to a special hospital.”
A spokesman for the Confederation of African Football said: “CAF is aware of the incident that occurred tonight, 24 January 2022, during the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations between hosts Cameroon and Comoros at Olembe Stadium.
“CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to find out more about what happened. We are in constant contact with the Cameroonian government and the local organizing committee.
“Tonight, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe sent the Secretary-General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, to visit supporters at the hospital in Yaonde.”
Despite the gruesome tragedy outside the ground, the match started at 7 pm local time.
Comoros didn’t expect much of a challenge after Kovid was forced into the camp to score an outfield player’s name.
And things proved even more difficult for that side when former Millwall midfielder Jimmy Abdu received a red card for his challenge on Moumi Ngamalu.
Cameroon scored two goals in the middle of the second half, before Comoros pulled back a goal.
But this was not enough to deter the hosts of the tournament, who stood to claim a 2-1 victory.
