Olembe soccer stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon. Photo: Kenzo TribouillardR/AFP via Getty Images
At least six people were killed and 40 others injured in a stampede during an Africa Cup of Nations soccer match in Cameroon's capital, Yaoundé, Monday — and officials warned the death toll could rise, per AP.
The big picture: The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which organizes the Africa Cup of Nations, said in a statement it is investigating the tragedy, which happened as fans tried to access Olembe Stadium to watch Cameroon's 2-1 win over Comoros.
- Soccer officials said some 50,000 people had attempted to enter the 60-000-capacity stadium, which pandemic restrictions required to be no more than 80% full for the match, AP notes.
What they're saying: Africa Cup of Nations organising committee spokesperson Abel Mbengue told AFP, "There was a crush as can happen when there is a stampede.
- "We are waiting for reliable information on the number of casualties in this tragic incident."