Four die in Togo soccer stampede

11 Oct 2004 17:02 - Staff Reporter

Four people were killed and eight injured, of whom three are in criticial condition, when a crowd stampeded following a power cut after Sunday's Soccer World Cup African zone Group 1 qualifying game between Togo and Mali in Lome, officials confirmed on Monday.

Four people were killed and eight injured, of whom three are in criticial condition, when a crowd stampeded following a power cut after Sunday’s Soccer World Cup African zone Group 1 qualifying game between Togo and Mali in Lome, officials confirmed on Monday.

The drama came after Emmanuel Adebayor secured a 1-0 win over Mali to keep Togo on course for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

An electricity blackout after the game caused panic and spectators were crushed in the rush to get out.

“A total of four people were killed and eight others injured, of which three seriously,” Togolese Health Minister Suzanne Aho told national radio.

“Five people who had minor injuries have already been discharged, while those in a serious condition have been transferred to the military hospital. The head of state has give instructions that they receive the necessary treatment,” she added.—Sapa-AFP