admin
KINSHASA. — At least nine people were killed and others were injured at a live concert in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, the country’s health minister has said.
Gospel singer and pastor, Mike Kalambay was performing at the 80 000-seater Martyrs Stadium in the capital, Kinshasa, but photos taken at the event show scenes of overcrowding.
A 10-year-old child was among those who died, according to local media.
The governor of Kinshasa, Daniel Bumba, released a statement blaming “excesses and crowd movements” for the disaster.
The country’s justice minister has ordered an investigation, and the questioning of the police officers who were present at the time and the event organiser Maajabu Gospel.
In a statement released after the concert, Maajabu Gospel said it was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths. It blamed “troublemakers”, and said there were 2 000 police officers at the event who had tried to pacify them.
The organisers also insisted there were about 30 000 people at the concert, much less than the venue’s maximum capacity.
The stadium is one of the largest in the country. Security sources said that it was over capacity when the stampede occurred.
The stadium is now closed until further notice.
It regularly plays host to some of the biggest names in music, various football matches, and was also the venue for President Félix Tshisekedi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Following Saturday’s chaos, Kinshasa city authorities have asked police to strengthen security measures and told event organisers to adhere to safety regulations. – Xinhua
Online Reporter