Audio By Carbonatix
Eight people have been killed during a Senegal football league final in Dakar in a stampede that broke out following clashes at the end of the match, the official APS news agency said.
A wall collapsed at Demba Diop stadium on Saturday as people prepared to leave after the game between local teams Ouakam and Stade de Mbour, APS reported, adding many more were injured.
Police fired tear gas at clashing supporters from both teams who were throwing projectiles, and panic spread in the stadium leading to a crush.
Sports minister Matar Ba said a young girl was among the dead, while around 60 injured fans had been taken to health facilities in Dakar.
He vowed "strong measures so that such an event will never be repeated in Senegal".
At 2-1 during extra time, US Ouakam supporters began throwing stones at Stade de Mbour fans, causing spectators to begin vacating their seats in a rush, an AFP news agency journalist at the scene said.
Part of a wall supporting bleachers seating fans from both sides then collapsed as police starte firing tear gas.
"All of a sudden, the wall fell. We knew some of our own had lost their lives because the wall fell directly onto people," said Cheikh Maba Diop, a witness who helped evacuate victims from the stadium and lost a friend in the tragedy.
Campaigning for Senegal's legislative elections due on July 30 would be suspended on Sunday in respect for the victims, said a spokesman for President Macky Sall.
Sall also wanted "punishments serving as a warning" following the tragedy, spokesman El Hamidou Kasse said on TFM television.
Senegal's safety record at large gatherings has been heavily criticised this year after the death of dozens of people at a religious retreat in April when a fire ripped through makeshift shelters.
Latest Stories
-
At least 27 people killed in two shootings in South African township
1 second -
Iranian minister says only negotiation can end conflict after Trump rejects Hormuz deal
18 minutes -
Some Ghanaians use free speech to destroy reputations – Bobby Banson
33 minutes -
Crowds, deals and home solutions as Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair enters final day
4 hours -
Fire Service finds only five functional hydrants in Ministries enclave
4 hours -
Government to sign 1,200MW gas power deal before end of 2026 – Mahama
4 hours -
West Mamprusi launches community-led WASH and livelihoods project across 100 communities
4 hours -
Iran says it will wait for official US response after Trump rejects Strait of Hormuz proposal
4 hours -
90 Oti communities to benefit from government electrification project
4 hours -
Floods leave 246 without shelter as 93 houses collapse in North East Gonja
4 hours -
Labour Minister wants SOEs to help shape new public pay system
9 hours -
IPEC will ensure Equity and Sustainability in SOEs Compensation
10 hours -
White House bars CNN from travelling with Trump on Air Force One
10 hours -
Fennis wins second consecutive ITF J60 title in Accra
10 hours -
Spain beat England in thriller after Kane penalty miss
10 hours