Seven Dead in Stampede at Congo Music Concert

In Summary

• Seven fatalities and multiple injuries reported at a concert in Kinshasa's Stade des Martyrs.
• Incident occurred during a performance by popular gospel singer Mike Kalambayi.
• Investigation underway; initial reports suggest security forces' intervention as a potential cause.

KINSHASA, DRC-At least seven people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries in a stampede during a music concert in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, on Saturday, authorities reported.

The tragic incident unfolded at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs, located in the heart of Kinshasa, where renowned Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi was performing.

Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba confirmed the fatalities and noted that several of the injured were in critical condition, receiving treatment in intensive care units. State television RTNC reported the seven deaths but did not specify the number of injured individuals.

Authorities have yet to comment on the precise cause of the stampede, as an investigation is currently underway. However, the local music management company, Maajabu Gospel, which organized the event, suggested that the chaos began when "the security services tried to neutralize some troublemakers."

The concert, which drew an estimated 30,000 attendees, also featured performances from several other musicians and pastors. Videos from the scene, shared on social media and broadcast during the event, depicted large crowds gathered outside the stadium, pressing against barricades as they attempted to gain entry. Inside the venue, footage showed people rushing towards the center stage in a frantic attempt to secure better viewing spots.

Congo has a history of similar tragic incidents, often attributed to inadequate crowd control measures and excessive use of force by security personnel. Last October, a similar crush at the same stadium during a music concert resulted in the deaths of eleven people.

As the investigation continues, questions are being raised about the adequacy of safety protocols and crowd management practices at large events in Congo. The authorities and event organizers are under increasing scrutiny to ensure that such tragic incidents are not repeated in the future.