Tragedy Strikes Kinshasa: Nine Dead in Concert Stampede

Authorities Launch Investigation as Health Minister Confirms Several Serious Injuries and Overcapacity at Kinshasa’s Largest Stadium

Kinshasa (DRC) – At least nine people, including two women, were confirmed dead following a tragic stampede during a concert on Saturday night at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. The incident occurred during a performance by popular musician Mike Kalambayi, leading to chaos and multiple serious injuries.

DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed the fatalities and highlighted that the stadium was filled beyond its 80,000-seat capacity, leading to the deadly stampede. “Several serious injuries have also been reported,” Kamba said, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

Following the tragedy, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka ordered an urgent crisis meeting, according to a statement released by the DRC Interior Ministry late Saturday. The meeting aims to address the immediate aftermath of the incident and prevent such occurrences in the future.

The Kinshasa municipal government has also announced the launch of a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the stampede. Security sources indicated that the stadium, one of the largest in the country, was overcrowded, a likely contributing factor to the disaster.

This tragic event is reminiscent of a similar incident in October 2022, when 11 people, including two police officers, lost their lives in a stampede at the same stadium during a concert by renowned DRC singer Fally Ipupa. The recurrence of such incidents has raised serious concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at large events in the DRC.

Concertgoers described scenes of panic and confusion as people tried to escape the overcrowded stadium. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation quickly spiraled out of control, with many individuals being trampled in the rush to exit.

International reactions have started pouring in, with neighboring countries expressing condolences and solidarity with the DRC. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have also called for a detailed investigation and improved safety measures at public events to prevent future tragedies.

As the DRC mourns the loss of these lives, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of citizens attending large gatherings. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in implementing necessary reforms and preventing another devastating incident.