A traumatic disaster in a football stadium in Algeria has left three people dead and more than 80 people injured just moments after title celebrations had begun
Three football fans have tragically been killed and over 80 have been left injured after a horrific stadium disaster in Algiers, Algeria. The awful incident happened 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 tragic event unfolded after MC Alger were confirmed as league title winners as a result of a 0-0 draw, prompting jubilant celebrations. But a picture of joy became a scene of horror when a security barrier gave way, sending several supporters from the top tier of the stadium tumbling.
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.”
As tributes poured in, MC Alger’s players and staff offered to donate blood to the hospitals for those affected by the incident. The club is grieving, having confirmed the identity of one tragic casualty.
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 promptly halted any further celebrations set for MC Alger’s championship win, as emergency services rushed to attend the scene. In the wake of this catastrophe, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended his deepest sympathies to all impacted by the disaster.
On X, he wrote: “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, due to the need to adhere to current football safety standards, the stadium’s capacity has been reduced to 64,200. Before this unfortunate incident, there were plans to safely increase the stadium’s capacity back up to 80,000.
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