Eight people - including seven children - have died in a stampede ahead of a football match in Malawi to celebrate the nation's 53rd in...
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Eight people - including seven children - have died in a stampede ahead of a football match in Malawi to celebrate the nation's 53rd independence, police say.
Dozens more were injured in the crush at Lilongwe's Bingu national stadium.The stampede reportedly happened as thousands of people tried to find seats ahead of a friendly between top sides Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers.
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| Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe |
President Peter Mutharika has offered his condolences and said the government will do all it can to assist the families of the bereaved. He said he was shocked to learn of the tragedy.
The BBC's Frank Kandu in Malawi said gates at the 40 000-capacity stadium were supposed to open at 06:30 local time (04:30GMT) to allow free entry of people - but there was a delay of about three hours.
However, thousands had already turned up, and some tried to force their way in, prompting the police to fire tear gas. Inspector General of Police Lexan Kachama told Reuters news agency he expected the number of casualties to rise.
The football match was being held as part of events to mark the 53rd anniversary of Malawi's independence from British colonial rule.
It went ahead and President Mutharika was supposed to be guest of honour. But he did not attend and was represented by the sports minister. The result was a 2-1 victory for Nyasa Big Bullets. - BBC
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