Two stampedes in Africa, 71 people died

On January 1, at least 61 people were killed in a stampede during a New Year's fireworks display in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). In Angola, at least 10 people were killed in a stampede.

AP quoted a witness as saying that the stampede occurred after a fireworks display at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium. Many people present joined in chasing a pickpocket, causing chaos that forced police to set up a cordon.

But the barriers blocked the flow of people trying to leave. The stampede occurred after several people fell and the crowd panicked, a witness said.

Abidjan Fire Department Director Issa Sacko said 61 people were killed and 49 injured. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has declared the incident a national tragedy and ordered an investigation into the cause of the incident.

In 2009, a stampede also occurred at a stadium in the capital Abidjan, killing 18 people.

Meanwhile, in another African country, Angola, at least 10 people were killed and 120 injured while trying to squeeze into a stadium to attend a prayer ceremony on the night of December 31, according to Reuters.

Organizers said the number of worshippers exceeded the expected 70,000, overwhelming the stadium. At least four children were trampled to death at the entrances to the stadium, according to witnesses.

Angolan authorities are currently investigating the incident.

According to Tuoi Tre - DT