Angola's president orders inquiry into stadium stampede that killed
17
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[February 11, 2017]
LUANDA (Reuters) - Angolan
President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has ordered an investigation into
the cause of a stampede at a football match in which at least 17
people were killed.
Scores of people were injured in the stampede at a stadium in the
northern city of Uige on Friday when hundreds of supporters stormed
the venue's gates.
"I express my solidarity with the families of the deceased and have
instructed the Provincial Government of Uige to provide all
necessary assistance to the injured and have given guidance to the
competent authorities to open an inquiry that will establish the
cause of this serious incident," dos Santos said in a statement late
on Friday.
State news agency Angop said the Ministry of Sports has also asked
the local football association and provincial authorities to
investigate the cause of the incident.
Police and football officials were not available to comment.
The match between Santa Rita de Cássia and Libolo was part of
Angola's first division championship.
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Angolan President and MPLA leader, Jose Eduardo dos Santos attends a
party central committee at a meeting in Luanda, Angola, December 2
,2016. REUTERS/Herculano Coroado
Witnesses told Reuters on Friday that the stampede happened as a
large crowd tried to enter the stadium, which would have taken the
venue past its 8,000 capacity.
(Reporting by Herculano Coroado; Writing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo;
Editing by Louise Ireland)
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