3 Soccer Fans Dead and More Than 70 Injured After Upper Stands of Stadium Collapse

Three people are dead and more than 70 have been injured after a terrifying incident at a soccer game in Algeria.

The tragedy occurred when a barrier gave way in the upper stands of the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers on Saturday, June 21. The barrier’s collapse caused fans to fall from the stands into the seats below them.

Algeria’s Ministry of Health confirmed the incident in a post on Facebook. “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.”

The tragedy happened as soccer club Mouloudia Club d’Alger won the league title on Saturday.

MC Alger mourned the loss of one of their fans in a post on Instagram on Sunday. “With great sadness and grief and with hearts believing in God’s will and destiny, we received the news of the supporters of our club, Younes Amgozi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands of the Olympic Stadium July 5,” the post read.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement and extended its condolences following the tragedy. CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe said the confederation is “deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the injuries sustained by the football spectators.”

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“We express our deep condolences to the Fédération Algérienne de Football, the Algerian Government, its President His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the people of Algeria on this sad and painful incident,” Motsepe continued.

“We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery and pray to Allah to be with them, the families who lost their loved ones and the people of Algeria. CAF will continue to be in contact with the Fédération Algérienne de Football and its President, Walid Sadi and provide whatever assistance possible.”