15 killed in Madagascar stadium stampede, scores wounded

At least 15 people were killed and 75 wounded in a stampede at Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in Antananarivo after a military parade in Madagascar’s capital of Antananarivo on Wednesday to mark the country’s 59th independence anniversary, authorities said.

Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital confirmed the casualties, said General Richard Ravalomanana, Secretary of State for the Gendarmerie.

Ravalomanana said the stampede occurred on Wednesday evening just before the start of an appearance by the popular artist Rossy. The crowds surged, while trying to enter the stadium, causing a stampede and people were trampled to death.

Some witnesses said people were trying to push their way into the stadium but that authorities had only opened one small door.

Professor Olivat Rakoto Alson, director of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital, where the dead and injured were taken, said the death toll is likely to increase because several of the injured are in critical condition.