Seven killed in Stampede at music concert in Congo’s capital

• The stampede occurred at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium.
• The event, featuring gospel singer Mike Kalambayi, was attended by an estimated 30,000 people.
• The chaos was triggered by security services trying to neutralize troublemakers.

Authorities said that a stampede at a music concert in Congo’s capital on Saturday killed seven people and injured many others. The stampede occurred at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium in the heart of Kinshasa during a performance by popular Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi, Kinshasa Gov. Daniel Bumba said. State television RTNC reported that the chaos killed seven people and injured several others, with some admitted to intensive care.

Authorities did not comment on the cause of the stampede, stating that an investigation into the incident was underway. However, the local music management company that organized the event said the chaos erupted when “the security services tried to neutralize some troublemakers.”

An estimated 30,000 people attended the concert, which featured several other musicians and pastors, the management company Maajabu Gospel said in a statement. Videos that appeared to be from the scene and broadcast the event showed large crowds gathered outside the stadium in front of barricades, waiting to enter. Inside, people were seen rushing to the center stage.

In past years, Congo has witnessed similar stampedes, often blamed on poor crowd control measures and excessive use of force. Last October, eleven people died in a similar crush at the same stadium during a music concert.

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