Three people dead and more than 80 injured in football stadium disaster

Irish Daily Mirror

6 days ago

Three football supporters have died, and over 80 others have been injured in a devastating stadium disaster at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers, Algeria. The horrific event took place at the end of a match between MC Alger and NC Magra at the Stade du 5 Juillet, which holds around 64,200 people
The disaster occurred as jubilation turned to tragedy post-match when MC Alger secured the league championship following a goalless draw with celebrations cut short by a barrier collapse. This resulted in fans falling from the upper tier of the stands, leading to chaos.
The Algerian Ministry of Health released grave figures in their statement, which said: "The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded.
"Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16."
MC Alger's players and officials expressed their grief and solidarity, offering blood donations to aid those affected by the dreadful accident. Amidst mourning, the club confirmed the loss of longtime fan Younes Amguzzi, reports the Mirror.
In a message relayed by officials at the club, they said: "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.
"The board of directors, all members of management, all the team and players, come forward with sincere condolences and the most sincere condolences to all the family members of the deceased and their family."
Event organisers immediately put a stop to any further festivities planned for MC Alger's championship victory as emergency services were called to the scene. Following the tragic event, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed his heartfelt condolences to those affected by the calamity.
On X, he shared: "Following the painful incident that befell the supporters of MC Alger at the Stade du 5 Juillet, I can only pray for the soul of the deceased supporter. May God have mercy on him and grant him a place in his vast paradise.
"We offer our condolences to his family, his fellow supporters and the MC Alger team. I pray for the recovery of those injured in the incident and their swift return to their loved ones."
The stadium was christened after the date Algeria proclaimed independence in July 1962. It once held 110,000 spectators during an international friendly match between Algeria and Serbia in 2010.
However, to meet modern football safety regulations, the venue's capacity has been reduced to 64,200. Prior to the tragic incident, there had been intentions to safely expand the stadium's capacity to accommodate 80,000 spectators.