Three spectators have died and more than 70 others were injured after falling from the upper stands of a stadium during celebrations following MC Alger’s league title victory, Algeria’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Sunday.
The incident occurred shortly after MC Alger secured their second consecutive top-flight title.
According to local media, part of a barrier in the upper stand gave way, causing dozens of fans to fall into the lower tier.
In a statement on Facebook, the 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.’
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
MC Alger confirmed one fatality in an Instagram post: ‘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.’
The club has not yet commented on the other two reported deaths.
Footage posted by broadcaster El Heddaf TV appeared to show a section of railing collapsed onto the lower tier of the stadium.
Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. MC Alger players and staff also visited hospitals to donate blood.
The trophy presentation ceremony was postponed in light of the tragedy.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding stadium safety protocols.
