A tragic stampede at Madagascar’s national stadium resulted in the death of 12 individuals and left 80 injured just before the inauguration of the 11th Indian Ocean Island Games.
The catastrophe reportedly unfolded due to excessive pushing among the enthusiastic sports fans attempting to gain entry. The entrance became a focal point for the casualties.
President Andry Rajoelina addressed the 50,000 attendees inside the stadium, leading them in silence to honour those who perished. Rajoelina stated, “The government will shoulder the medical expenses for those injured. I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of all institutions.”
The 11th Indian Ocean Island Games, from August 25 to September 3, sees participation from Reunion, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte, and the Maldives.
Sadly, this isn’t the first incident at this venue. A similar event in 2019 claimed 15 lives and injured 75. In September 2018, a stampede during a soccer match between Madagascar and Senegal led to one fatality and 47 injuries.
