Seven Dead in Concert Stampede in Kinshasa, Congo

KINSHASA, Congo – A tragic stampede at a music concert in Kinshasa resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left many others injured on Saturday. The incident occurred at the Stade des Martyrs, which has a capacity of 80,000, during a performance by popular Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba confirmed the fatalities, with some injured attendees requiring intensive care. The cause of the stampede remains unclear, as authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. However, the local music management company, Maajabu Gospel, indicated that the chaos began when security personnel attempted to control a group of troublemakers. The concert attracted an estimated 30,000 attendees and featured various musicians and pastors, highlighting the event's popularity. Eyewitness videos shared on social media depicted large crowds outside the stadium, waiting to enter, while others showed concertgoers rushing towards the stage once inside. This incident is not isolated; Congo has experienced similar tragedies in the past, often attributed to inadequate crowd management and excessive force by security. Notably, a similar stampede at the same venue last October resulted in the deaths of eleven people. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on improving safety measures at large events to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of concertgoers in the region.