Deadly Stampede at Kinshasa Concert: 11 Dead in Overcrowded Stadium
Chaos and tragedy struck the Martyrs’ Stadium in Kinshasa as a concert by Congolese star Fally Ipupa ended in disaster. Interior Minister Daniel Aselo Okito revealed the stadium was packed beyond its 80,000 capacity, with fans even storming VIP and reserved sections. The deadly crush claimed 11 lives, including two police officers.
Organisers Blamed for Overcrowding Disaster
Minister Okito held the concert organisers responsible for the tragedy, promising they “must be punished” for the catastrophic overselling and poor crowd control. “Eleven people dead … including two police,” he stated soberly, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families.
Violence Erupts as Fans Surge into Stadium
Before the event, violent clashes broke out outside the stadium as security forces fired tear gas to disperse the unruly crowds gathered long before the show. Witnesses described overcrowding even spilling into the stadium’s corridors, making the situation dangerously uncontrollable.
Stampede Kills Music Lovers at Fally Ipupa Concert
Fally Ipupa, 44, one of Africa’s top musicians, arrived hours late as is typical for Congolese singers. But the delay did little to calm the packed venue. A policeman at the scene told the official Congolese Press Agency (ACP): “It was a stampede. The music lovers suffocated.”
