Online Reporter
THREE football fans died and at least 70 are injured after a horrific stadium disaster on Sunday.
Supporters were celebrating MC Alger winning their top-flight league title in Algeria for the second year running. MC Alger clinched top spot with a 0-0 draw against NC Magra on Saturday.
Players and coaches rejoiced on the pitch as fans set off green flares around the stadium.
However, during the euphoria, tragedy struck amid the celebrations in the packed-out Stade du 5 Juillet [5 July Stadium].
Dozens of fans fell from the upper stands of the 64,200-capacity ground.
Local reports suggested a section of the security barrier collapsed in the upper tier, meaning the jubilant supporters had nothing to stop them from falling to the stands below.
More than 70 people have been treated in hospitals — but three sadly passed away, the health ministry confirmed.
The Algerian Ministry of Health 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 posted once the first death had been confirmed.
They wrote: ‘‘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.’’
News agency Reuters reported that several MC Alger players and staff went to the hospitals to donate blood for the injured.
The trophy presentation was postponed as a result of the desperately sad and worrying scenes.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent his condolences and best wishes to those affected by the ‘‘painful tragedy’’ — Sun
