 Zambia President Levy Mwanawasa is saddened by the stadium tragedy |
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has ordered an inquiry into the cause of a stampede that killed 12 supporters after an African Cup of Nations game. Mwanawasa said he was saddened by the deaths after the game against Congo.
He has also asked authorities to immediately put in place measures to prevent similar problems in the future.
"The president has called for an enquiry to establish the cause of the accident," Mwanawasa's spokesman John Musukuma told state television.
The stampede on Saturday evening left 46 others wounded at the Chililabombwe stadium where Zambia beat Congo 3-0 in an African Nations Cup qualifer.
Twelve people were still being treated in hospital while the rest have been discharged after treatment, Sports Minister Gabriel Namulambe said in a statement.
"Those who are admitted are in a stable condition," Namulambe added.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the accident had been caused by a group of supporters outside the stadium who attempted to gain entry when the match had finished, said the minister.
Earlier said regional Chief of Police Antoneil Mutenthwa had said: "Too many fans tried to squeeze through the few exits available."
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It is thought none of the travelling contingent from Congo were injured.
Provincial minister Mwansa Mbulakulima is expected to travel to the region to assess the situation.
Kick-off at the game had earlier been delayed as officials waited for the stadium to fill up.
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