Three football fans died and more than 70 others suffered injuries after tumbling from the upper tier of a stadium in the Algerian top flight.
A goalless draw with NC Magra was enough for MC Alger to defend their league title on Saturday, but the contest has been overshadowed by the horrendous scenes that played out after the final whistle.
Local media in Algeria report that a security barrier broke at the Stade du 5 Juillet, causing multiple spectators to fall from a great height into the largely empty stand below.
Emergency services were seen rushing to the scene to treat the dozens injured in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with nearby supporters left in a state of shock and panic.
Photographs taken in the aftermath of the incident show clearly where the section of the barrier in question gave way at the 64,200-capacity ground, where MC Alger’s euphoric players had been celebrating just moments earlier.
‘The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded,’ a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Health read.
‘Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16.’
Before two further fatalities were confirmed, MC Alger passed on their condolences to Younes Amguzzi, who was among those who died in the disaster.
‘It is with great sadness and sorrow and with hearts that we received the news of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands,’ a statement read.
Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune has also reached out to the families of the three killed, while wishing those injured a ‘speedy recovery’.
More to follow.
