At least eight people dead after a wall collapses during Senegalese cup final in country’s capital

AT LEAST eight people have died after a wall collapsed during the Senegalese League Cup Final.

The tragedy occurred in a match between USO and Stade de Mbour at the Demba Dior football stadium in the country’s capital.

Getty Images

Twitter @ParlonsFoot247

Getty Images

Cheikh Maba Diop, whose friend died in the incident, told AFP: “All of a sudden when the wall fell – we knew exactly that some of our own had lost their lives because the wall fell directly on to people.”

As well as the deaths, at least 49 people were injured after violence erupted between two sets of supporters after the final whistle .and it is believed police used tear gas which led to mass panic.

Police used tear gas in response the clashes – sparking a mass panic and stampede.

Some fans were throwing projectiles including stones at others during the incident before supporters flooded the pitch to escape the terraces.

Pictures circulating online appear to show people scrambling over a low wall with clouds of gas in the air.

A spokesman for Senegal president Macky Sall said that campaigning for upcoming elections would be halted as a mark of respect.

He added that there should be “punishments serving as a warning” following the tragic events.

Getty Images

Getty Images