On Monday, January 24, a crush outside a Cameroon stadium left at least six people dead and more than 40 injured.
This happened during the match between host nation Cameroon and Comoros as the crowd attempted to enter the Yaounde Olembe Stadium.
Cameroon qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals after a 2-1 against Comoros.
The stadium capacity of Yaounde Olembe Stadium is 60,000 however it was limited to 60 percent because of the pandemic, but an allowance of 80 percent was given for matches involving the national team.
“A crush at the entrance to the Olembe Stadium caused half a dozen deaths and dozens have been injured,” reported Cameroon’s state broadcaster CRTV.
The Confederation of African Football(CAF), as the body in-charge of running the continental tournament noted that investigations were underway.
Following a low turnout in the first round games, Cameroon authorities have thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport, and given out free tickets to lure fans.
Over the years, overcrowding at football matches has resulted in hundreds of deaths around the world.
Back in 2015, thousands of fans in Cairo attempted to enter a stadium in the Egyptian capital to watch a game, triggering panic as police fired tear gas whereby the chaos led to the deaths of 40 people and dozens were injured.
In 2001, 43 people died in a stampede at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park stadium during a game between the Orlando Pirates and the Kaizer Chiefs.