Seven dead after Congo stadium disaster

At least seven people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a riot broke out at a football game.

At least seven people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a riot broke out at a football game.

A further 51 were injured during the game between Lupopo and Mazembem, in Lubumbashi.

Congo's Information Minister Mr Kikaya Bin Karubi, said it was the "worst football disaster in memory".

When Mazembe drew 1-1, 10 minutes before full time supporters of the opposing team started throwing bottles.

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Police fired tear gas to try to quell the crowd, which caused a stampede, knocking over barriers in the stands.

Mr Mbala Musau, 28, saw his father killed in the crush. He commented: "The crowd smashed him.

"This is the fault of the police, they shouldn't have fired tear gas at the people."

Survivors took many victims to the nearest hospital, only to find it had no electricity for the day.

It is not clear how many people were in the stadium, which is designed to hold 40,000 people.

PA