Three spectators were killed and more than 70 others injured after a section of the upper-tier barrier collapsed at a soccer stadium.
As the BBC reports, the incident occurred on Saturday at the Stade du 5 Juillet, a 64,000-capacity stadium in the Algerian capital, where MC Alger had just drawn 0–0 with NC Magra, enough to clinch the league championship.
Celebrations quickly turned to chaos when a crowd of supporters surged forward in the stands, reportedly causing a safety barrier to give way, according to The Sun.
According to local media, the collapse led to dozens of fans falling from the upper level of the stadium into the empty seating area below.
Emergency medical teams responded immediately, and videos from the scene showed paramedics assisting injured fans as shocked supporters looked on.
In a statement issued late Saturday, Algeria’s Ministry of Health confirmed that three fatalities had been recorded across multiple hospitals.
“The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded,” the ministry stated. “Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16.”
The victims have not all been publicly identified, though one of the deceased was named as Younes Amguzzi, a supporter of MC Alger.
The club issued a statement expressing its grief: “It is with great sadness and sorrow that we received the news of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who passed away after falling from the upper stand,” MC Alger posted on Instagram.
“The board of directors, management, team and players extend their sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and all loved ones,” the statement continued.
MC Alger’s trophy ceremony was postponed following the tragedy. In a show of solidarity, players and staff reportedly visited hospitals and donated blood to aid those injured.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune also issued a statement on social media, offering condolences and calling for support for the victims. “Following the painful incident that befell the supporters of MC Alger at the Stade du 5 Juillet, I can only pray for the souls of the deceased,” the president wrote on X.
He continued: “We offer our condolences to their families, fellow supporters, and the MC Alger team. I pray for the recovery of those injured and their swift return to their loved ones.”
Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the barrier failure or whether an investigation will be launched. The Algerian Football Federation has yet to issue a formal statement.
