The deadly crush that killed eight people before an Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde on Monday was blamed on a “inexplicable” decision to keep an entry gate closed, according to African football chief Patrice Motsepe.
“That gate was intended to be open because if it had been open, they would have walked through,” the president of the Confederation of African Football stated at a press conference on Tuesday.
“If that gate was open as it was supposed to, we wouldn’t have had this problem we have now, this loss of life. Who closed that gate? Who is responsible for that gate?”
Eight people died and 38 were injured as fans attempted to enter the Olembe Stadium where the hosts Cameroon were playing the Comoros, according to figures released by the country’s health ministry.
“Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their 30s, four men in their 30s, one child, one body taken away by the family,” said a preliminary health ministry report obtained by AFP.
A baby was reportedly one of those trampled by the crowd and was in a “medically stable” condition, the health ministry added.
Communications Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi said that of 38 people injured, seven were seriously hurt.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn