An Algerian soccer game ended in tragedy on June 21, when several spectators fell from an upper platform at 5 July 1962 Stadium. The MC Alger team had just clinched its second straight Algerian top-flight title win. After the final whistle blew, a fence broke away and fell to the lower tier along with at least 70 spectators.
According to ESPN, four people have been declared dead with dozens of others injured. One spectator was declared dead at the scene, but three others were transported to local hospitals, where they later passed away from their injuries. The Algerian health minister confirmed that Bensi Messous University Hospital and Ben Aknoun Hospital received the majority of victims.
An Algerian soccer game ended in tragedy on June 21, when several spectators fell from an upper platform at 5 July 1962 Stadium. The MC Alger team had just clinched its second straight Algerian top-flight title win. After the final whistle blew, a fence broke away and fell to the lower tier along with at least 70 spectators.
According to ESPN, four people have been declared dead with dozens of others injured. One spectator was declared dead at the scene, but three others were transported to local hospitals, where they later passed away from their injuries. The Algerian health minister confirmed that Bensi Messous University Hospital and Ben Aknoun Hospital received the majority of victims.
The BBC reported that surging fans caused the barrier to collapse in the 53-year-old stadium. In the aftermath of the victory, celebratory green smoke covered the stands, further obscuring sight lines. Photos shared by Goal, showed deteriorating infrastructure within 5 July 1962 stadium. Rust on brittle railings could have contributed to the upper deck’s fence breaking away.
"It is with great sadness and sorrow and with hearts that we received the news of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands," MC Alger said, referring to one of the four deaths on the team’s Instagram account.
In a show of solidarity, players from MC Alger “have gone to the hospitals to donate blood to the injured.” The award ceremony has been postponed as the soccer field was quickly taken over by emergency vehicles and first responders.
