60 people killed, 200 others wounded in Ivory Coast stadium stampede

At least 60 people have been crushed to death and some 200 others wounded in Ivory Coast’s city of Abidjan in an stampede which followed a New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

The incident took place in early Tuesday near the city’s main stadium where people had gathered to watch the fireworks.

The head of military rescue workers, Lieutenant Colonel Issa Sako said 60 people lost their lives and 200 were wounded based on a preliminary toll as crowds stampeded.

“In the crush, people were walked over and suffocated by the crowd,” he added.

According to rescue officials, the injured were transferred to hospitals in the city. It is still unclear what caused the stampede.

Many children are reported to be among the victims and the death toll is expected to increase.

The area outside the stadium is also littered with heaps of abandoned shoes and clothing.

“My two children came here yesterday. I told them not to come but they didn’t listen. They came when I was sleeping. What will I do?” said a distressed Ivorian mother who did not know whether her children are alive.