Tragedy struck in Nzerekore, Guinea, on Sunday during the final of a local football tournament as a clash between rival fans led to a deadly stampede, leaving at least 56 people feared dead.
Chaos started when the fans, protesting a referee’s penalty decision, invaded the pitch. Police intervention with teargas aggravated the situation and led to widespread panic and a devastating stampede.
Authorities have opened investigations into who is responsible for this incident. Meanwhile, the government promised medical care for the injured and urged calm among the population so that hospitals could provide timely assistance.
There are efforts aimed at restoring peace in the area, with local leaders called upon to assist in maintaining law and order to avoid further unrest.