A tragic stampede at a packed stadium in Nzerekore, southern Guinea, has claimed the lives of approximately 50 football fans, including children, government official says per Sky News.

The incident occurred on Sunday during the final of a local tournament held in honour of Guinea's military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya.

Chaos erupted during the match between teams from Labe and Nzerekore following a disputed penalty decision that angered fans.

The situation escalated when some supporters began throwing stones, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas in an attempt to restore order.

The ensuing panic caused a deadly rush for exits, leading to dozens of fatalities and injuries, with several victims in critical condition at a regional hospital.

Local media reported scenes of devastation, with children among those who perished.

Videos circulating on social media showed fans scaling fences to escape the chaos, while others lay injured or lifeless in hospital corridors as bystanders and medical staff attempted to help.

"This tragic incident has left our community devastated," said a resident of Nzerekore, per ESPN. "We were here to celebrate football, but it ended in sorrow."

Guinea's Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, expressed condolences and confirmed the casualties, stating on social media: “The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match… victims have been recorded.”

Regional authorities are working to restore calm in the area.

Meanwhile, the National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, a coalition of political parties, called for an independent investigation into the incident.

In a statement, the group criticised the tournament as a political tool to bolster support for Doumbouya’s regime, describing it as “illegal and inappropriate.”

Guinea has been under military rule since Doumbouya led a coup to oust President Alpha Conde in 2021.

Although the coup was initially justified as a measure to prevent chaos and address unfulfilled promises, Doumbouya’s leadership has faced growing criticism for its failure to meet public expectations.

The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy has demanded accountability for the loss of lives, urging authorities to address the excessive use of force by security personnel and improve crowd control measures at public gatherings.