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CatastropheLiberia

Liberia: Stampede at church event kills dozens

January 20, 2022

President George Weah was expected to visit the site of the tragedy, which occurred in a suburb of the Liberian capital, Monrovia. Police have warned the death toll may increase.

https://p.dw.com/p/45pNG
Liberians gather after stampede tragedy
Liberians congregate near a hospital where stampede victims were being treatedImage: Augustine D Wallace/picture alliance/dpa

A stampede at a religious gathering in Liberia has left at least 29 people dead, authorities said Thursday.

The religious event, known in Liberia as a crusade, was held at a football pitch in New Kru Town, a working-class suburb of Liberia's capital, Monrovia.

Deputy Information Minister Jalawah Tonpo called the tragedy "a sad day for our country."

Armed men rushed the worshipers

Local media reports that gangsters, wielding knives and machetes, caused the stampede when they attacked worshipers. They say children were among those killed at the gathering.

Police spokesperson Moses Carter declined to comment on what caused the incident saying an investigation is underway.

Liberia is a highly religious country and the majority of the population of five million are Christians. 

Liberian President George Weah was expected to visit the site on Thursday afternoon.

wd,lo/dj (AFP, Reuters)