At least 8 people die of
suffocation during soccer match in Liberia
The Associated
MONROVIA, Liberia: At least eight people suffocated in an
overcrowded stadium during a soccer match between Liberia and
Gambia on Sunday, a doctor and an aid worker said.
The eight bodies were taken to the country's main hospital,
according to Liberian Football Association's chief doctor, Sam
Harris.
The 33,000-seat Samuel K. Doe stadium in Monrovia had been packed
beyond capacity for the World Cup qualifying match.
At one point a metal bar containing upper-level crowds broke under
pressure from rowdy soccer fans. Dozens of people fell onto
spectators below, causing some to suffocate, according to Liberian
Red Cross rescue worker Emmanuel Johnson.
"Other spectators tried all sorts of means to save (them), but
could not help. That is why they expired," Johnson said.
He put the death toll at 10. There was no immediate way to
reconcile the conflicting tolls.
Hours before the start of the match, United Nations peacekeepers
had closed the stadium gates when it became clear it was already
over capacity after thousands had entered using fake tickets.
Liberia and Gambia tied the match 1-1.
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