Tue, March 31, 2009
At least 22 people have been killed and more than 130 were injured at a stampede before a soccer World Cup qualifying match in the Ivory Coast's main stadium.
Lucky to be alive - injured soccer fans are led to safety after a deadly stampede at a World Cup qualifying match in the Ivory Coast.
Ticketless fans are being blamed for the crush which happened shortly before the game between Ivory Coast and Malawi.
Police fired tear gas into one section of the crowd after fans began pushing and shoving.
A wall collapsed under the weight of the surging mass, triggering panic.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) SUPPORTER BOTY FLORENT SAYING:
''We fell down then we stood again and managed to get into the field. Once in the field, the police fired teargas and we had problems leaving the field."
Thank God we won the match but we must spare a thought for our brothers who are gone''
At least 22 people were killed and more than 130 injured in the crush.
Despite the tragedy, the match went ahead - the home side defeating Malawi 5-0.
Riots and crushes are common at African soccer stadiums, which are frequently overcrowded and poorly maintained.
Helen Long, Reuters
