Disaster struck today at a World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe, when at least 12 people died in a stampede after police fired tear gas into a crowd of fans. A crowd of 35,000 had gathered to watch a crucial soccer match between Zimbabwe and South Africa, when some of the crowd began two throw missiles onto the pitch after the visitors had taken a two goal lead with eight minutes remaining.
Reports surfacing from the scene suggest that at least 12 people have been taken to the morgue at Harare's Tarirenyatwa hospital, with several more on the critical list. 'We have 12 who are dead. The number could rise because there are a lot of seriously injured people as well,' said a doctor who declined to be named.
A spokesman for the Avenues Clinic said it had treated scores of injured people, but reported no deaths. Police had fired tear gas into a crowd of fans who threw bottles and cans onto the pitch during the game. Following the goal, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile, and witnesses have claimed that South African hero Delron Buckley, scorer of both goals, and the team doctor had both been struck by objects from the crowd.
The game was called to a halt by Senegal referee Falla Ndoye, as the police began firing tear gas into the crowd, and soon the Harare National Sports Stadium was smoke filled. Spectators spilled onto the pitch to escape the fumes and several were later stretchered from the stadium after being hit by flying objects. Trouble continued outside the stadium with cars stoned and police chasing groups of youths.
