A catastrophic incident at an Algerian football stadium has left three supporters dead and more than 70 injured after they plummeted from the upper stands during championship celebrations.
The tragedy unfolded at the 64,200-capacity Stade du 5 Juillet as MC Alger fans celebrated their club's successful defence of the top-flight title.
Jubilant supporters surged forward in the packed stadium following their team's 0-0 draw with NC Magra, which secured the championship for a second consecutive year.
The celebration turned to horror when dozens of fans fell from the upper tier to the stands below, prompting an immediate emergency response across multiple hospitals in the capital.
The support failed leading to fans falling as people came forward
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The disaster occurred when a section of the security barrier in the upper tier collapsed, leaving celebrating supporters without any protection from the drop below.
Local reports indicate that as fans pressed forward in their excitement, the failed barrier meant nothing could prevent them from tumbling into the lower stands.
The incident happened immediately after the final whistle confirmed MC Alger's league triumph, transforming what should have been a moment of pure joy into devastating tragedy.
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Emergency services rushed to the scene as the scale of the catastrophe became apparent, with injured supporters requiring urgent medical attention across the stadium.
The Algerian Ministry of Health confirmed the devastating toll, stating: "The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded."
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Local authorities have said a failed support caused the disaster
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The ministry added that "Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16."
The casualties were distributed across three major medical facilities in the capital, with Beni Messous University Hospital bearing the heaviest burden of the emergency response.
In total, at least 81 injured supporters were treated at hospitals throughout the city, though local reports suggested the number requiring medical attention exceeded 70.
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The health ministry's confirmation of three fatalities marked the official acknowledgement of the scale of this sporting tragedy.
MC Alger responded to the tragedy by posting a tribute to one of the victims, writing: "It is with great sadness and sorrow and with hearts that we received the news of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands."
The club's players and staff demonstrated solidarity by visiting hospitals to donate blood for the injured, according to Reuters news agency.
The stadium has a 64,000 person capacity
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The planned trophy presentation was postponed in response to the devastating scenes that had unfolded in the stadium.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended his condolences and best wishes to all those affected by the disaster, as the nation grappled with the tragedy that had overshadowed what should have been a day of celebration.
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