A stampede during the opening ceremony of the Indian Ocean Island Games in Madagascar has resulted in 12 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
The incident occurred as thousands rushed to enter the Kianja Barea Mahamasina Stadium in Antananarivo. Prime Minister Christian Ntsay reported 12 dead and over 80 injured, with more casualties anticipated.
President Andry Rajoelina expressed sorrow over the tragedy, citing pushing and shoving among the crowd. The stadium has a rugby capacity of just over 40,000, yet more than 50,000 were reportedly present.
This is not the first deadly incident at the venue due to overcrowding. In 2018, one person died and 40 were injured before an Africa Cup of Nations match. In 2019, a stampede during a concert resulted in 15 deaths and 80 injuries.
