A title celebration turned into tragedy after three football fans were dead and at least 70 were injured after falling from the upper stands of Stade du 5 Juillet football stadium in Algeria.
According to reports, fans were celebrating MC Alger winning their top-flight league title in Algeria for the second consecutive year. While Players and coaches rejoiced on the pitch, dozens of fans fell from the upper stands of the 64,200-capacity ground
MC Alger clinched top spot with a 0-0 draw against NC Magra on Saturday. A visual going viral on social media shows a section of the security barrier collapsed in the upper tier, with the jubilant supporters having nothing to stop them from falling to the stands below.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as the scale of the catastrophe became apparent, with injured supporters requiring urgent medical attention across the stadium.
Major diasaster at football stadium in Algeria
According to the Sun report, the Algerian Ministry of Health said, "The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded. Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16."
MC Alger made post once the first death had been confirmed. They wrote: "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’s trophy presentation ceremony had to be postposed following the disaster, with players, staff and administrators uniting to donate their blood to those in need.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent his condolences and best wishes to those affected by the "painful tragedy".
