60 Crushed to Death After Fireworks in Ivory Coast

Victims mainly children between the ages of 8 and 15
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 1, 2013 10:14 AM CST
60 Crushed to Death After Fireworks in Ivory Coast
   (©)

More NYE tragedy: At least 60 people were crushed to death in a stampede after a fireworks display in the Ivory Coast's main city of Abidjan this morning. The BBC reports that it's unclear what caused the stampede, which took place near a stadium where people had gathered to watch the fireworks. According to some reports, thousands were trying to exit around 2am as another large group was trying to enter; but another witness tells Reuters that panic ensued after security forces arrived.

Another 200 were injured, and the death toll will likely rise; the majority of the dead were believed to be between the ages of eight and 15. A Reuters correspondent noted blood stains and abandoned shoes in the area this morning. The country's president has promised to pay for the victims' medical treatment. Side note: The night before, Chris Brown performed at the stadium. (More Ivory Coast stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X