11 killed in concert stampede in DR Congo: police

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least 11 people, including two police officers, were killed in a stampede at a concert in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital Kinshasa, authorities said on Sunday.

The incident happened on Saturday at the Stadium of Martyrs, according to police.

“The Stadium of Martyrs was packed beyond its 80,000 capacity and some of the revelers ended up forcing their way into the VIP and reserved sections. Eleven deaths were recorded and seven injuries,” Sylvano Kasongo, the police chief of Kinshasa, told reporters.

An investigation into the incident has been launched, he added.

Earlier, security forces had reportedly fired tear gas in an effort to disperse violent crowds in the streets outside the stadium.