At least six killed in Cameroon stadium stampede

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium inCameroonon Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported.

It said dozens of others were injured.

Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Continental soccer government body CAF said in a statement that it was aware of an incident at the stadium.

"CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with the Cameroongovernment and the local organizing committee," it said.

Following a low turnout in the first-round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent's premier men's soccer tournament,Cameroonauthorities hadthrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.

Cameroonbeat 10-man Comoros 2-1 in the game to advance to the quarter-finals.