**Tragedy at Algerian Football Stadium Leaves Three Dead and Scores Injured**
A devastating incident unfolded in the Algerian capital of Algiers, where a championship football match at the renowned Stade du 5 Juillet came to a tragic end. Three fans have lost their lives, and more than 80 individuals sustained injuries after a section of the stadium infrastructure failed during the celebrations.
The catastrophe occurred during the closing moments of the Algerian top-flight season as MC Alger faced off with NC Magra. While the goalless draw itself would have been a forgettable note on the football calendar, the result was enough for MC Alger to secure the league title, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters. Tragically, what began as a jubilant event quickly turned into chaos when a security barrier on the stadium’s upper tier reportedly collapsed.
Eyewitness reports suggest that the force of the celebrations was too much for the structure to withstand. As a consequence, numerous fans fell from the stands, prompting a frantic emergency response. Video circulated on social media and local television, including El Heddaf TV, seemingly confirming the collapse of a railing that subsequently tumbled onto fans seated below.
The scale of the emergency became clear in the aftermath. According to the Algerian Ministry of Health, the Beni Messous University Hospital admitted 38 of the injured, with three fatalities recorded. Ben Aknoun Hospital treated 27 more victims, and 16 others were taken to Bab El Oued Hospital. Medical teams worked tirelessly into the night to ensure all casualties received urgent care.
In a poignant gesture, players and staff from MC Alger visited local hospitals to donate blood to those wounded in the disaster, highlighting the communal bonds that run deep in the footballing world. The club officially confirmed the passing of one supporter, Younes Amguzzi, and issued a statement expressing their profound grief. “With hearts full of sadness, we mourn the loss of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who died after falling from the upper stands,” read the message. The club extended heartfelt condolences to his family and all affected by the tragedy.
Public safety measures immediately came under scrutiny, with the stadium’s design and crowd management called into question. The Stade du 5 Juillet, a symbol of Algerian independence, once boasted a capacity of 110,000 but had seen that figure reduced to 64,200 in recent years after upgrades to comply with modern safety standards. Despite ongoing discussions about potentially expanding the stadium’s capacity, this disaster is certain to spark renewed debate about the adequacy of such plans and infrastructure safety protocols.
The scheduled trophy ceremony for MC Alger was postponed while rescue and medical teams tended to the multitude of injured and traumatised fans. Authorities quickly moved to calm public sentiment, and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the nation in the wake of the disaster, offering condolences via a statement on social media platform X. “I pray for the souls of those lost, and for the swift recovery of the injured. Our hearts are with the families and friends of all those affected,” wrote the president.
The incident has cast a sombre shadow over what should have been a historic celebration for MC Alger and their supporters. Investigations are now underway to determine the exact causes of the collapse and to ensure that such an event does not recur in any of the country’s sporting venues.
For now, the focus remains firmly on supporting the victims and their loved ones, as well as on the community of supporters whose lives have been changed forever by these tragic events. Algerian football authorities face intense pressure to address safety concerns as the country mourns this avoidable loss, and to restore faith in the treasured game.