Nine die in DR Congo gospel concert chaos
At least nine people have died and several others have been injured during a live concert in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the country’s health minister. The incident occurred on Saturday at Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, where gospel singer and pastor Mike Kalambay was performing. Images from the event reveal severe overcrowding.
Local media report that a 10-year-old child is among the deceased. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba has attributed the tragedy to “excesses and crowd movements.”
In response, DR Congo’s justice minister has called for an investigation and the questioning of both the police officers present and the event organizer, Maajabu Gospel.
The stadium, which is a major landmark and said to be one of the biggest in Africa, is now closed until further notice.
It regularly plays host to some of the biggest names in music, and various football matches, and was also the venue for President Félix Tshisekedi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Following Saturday’s chaos, Kinshasa city authorities have asked police to strengthen security measures and told event organizers to adhere to safety regulations.
Incidents like these are not uncommon at large-scale events in DR Congo.
In 2022, a stadium crash at the same venue during a concert by Congolese star Fally Ipupa left 11 people dead.
