At least 12 people have died in a stadium accident in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. This was announced by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. Accordingly, a crowd had formed in front of one of the entrances to the Barea Stadium. About 80 other people were injured. Eleven of the injured are in critical condition. The cause of the accident is so far unclear.
According to the Red Cross, the number of victims could increase. “There were a lot of people at the entrance, which caused a rush,” said a spokeswoman. Around 50,000 spectators came to the opening ceremony of the eleventh Indian Ocean Island Games, the “Indian Ocean Island Games”. It’s not the first fatal accident at the stadium. In 2019, 16 people were killed during a crowd at a concert to celebrate Madagascar’s national day.
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, who was present at the sporting event, called for a minute’s silence. It was “a tragic event,” said the head of state in a televised speech.
The Island Games is a multi-disciplinary competition that will be held in Madagascar this year until September 3rd. The major event has been taking place every four years on various islands in the south-west of the Indian Ocean for around 40 years.