A tragic stampede at a football match in Algiers has left three people dead and 81 injured, Algerian authorities confirmed on Sunday, following celebrations that turned deadly for supporters of the Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MCA).
The fatal incident unfolded at the Stade du 5 Juillet on Saturday as fans gathered to celebrate MCA’s second consecutive league title, marking the club’s ninth championship in its history.
Initially, officials had reported one death and 11 injuries, but the death toll later rose to three as more details emerged.
According to reports from La Gazette du Fennec, the chaos began when a security barrier gave way, causing numerous supporters to plunge from the upper tier of the stadium onto the spectators below. The stadium was filled as MCA played out a goalless draw against NC Magra.
The Algerian health ministry stated that 81 injured fans were taken to hospitals across the capital for treatment following the accident.
In response to the tragedy, the National Football League cancelled the planned official trophy presentation ceremony, as the championship celebrations were overshadowed by mourning.
