A tragic stadium crush during a soccer match in southeast Guinea has claimed the lives of 135 people, according to a coalition of local human rights groups. This figure significantly surpasses the official death toll of 56.
The incident occurred in Nzerekore on Sunday after a contentious refereeing decision sparked crowd unrest. Police fired tear gas into the stands, triggering a deadly scramble as spectators attempted to escape.
On Tuesday, the human rights collective reported its higher toll, citing information from hospitals, cemeteries, witnesses, and victims’ families. “We estimate 135 deaths, the majority being children under 18,” the statement read, adding that over 50 people remain unaccounted for.
The group criticized security forces for excessive tear gas use and alleged that officials’ safety was prioritized over the crowd’s. It also claimed that fleeing vehicles struck spectators while a blocked stadium gate exacerbated the chaos.
Responsibility for the tragedy, the group asserted, lies with the tournament organizers and Guinea’s ruling junta, which supported the event commemorating military leader Mamady Doumbouya.
The government has yet to respond to the allegations but announced on Monday that an investigation would be launched.
