56 people were killed in a crush and violence during a soccer match in southeast Guinea as a result of a contentious refereeing call, the administration reported on Monday.
The deaths happened at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the biggest cities in the country, during the championship match of a competition honoring Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s military chief.
Some supporters flung stones, sparking fear and a crush, the government statement claimed, vowing an investigation.
Reuters verified a video that showed scores of people scurrying over tall walls in an attempt to get away.
According to a city administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity, many of the victims were children who were ensnared in the chaos when police began using tear gas.
Some parents were taking dead before they were formally counted, according to the official, who also recounted scenes of uncertainty and mayhem.
Online videos and images showed victims arranged in a line on the ground. More than a dozen lifeless bodies, including several children, were shown on one film. Reuters was unable to confirm that footage right away.
In violation of a transition charter before a scheduled presidential election, the opposition organization National Alliance for Change and Democracy said that authorities were responsible for holding tournaments to increase political support for Doumbouya.
That charge was not immediately addressed by the military junta.
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