A stadium collapse during championship celebrations in Algeria on June 21 has resulted in four deaths and more than 70 injuries, according to updated reports from local authorities. The incident occurred at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers following MC Alger’s successful defense of their league title.
The tragedy unfolded immediately after the final whistle confirmed MC Alger’s goalless draw with NC Magra, which secured the club’s second consecutive top-flight championship. As fans surged forward to celebrate in the packed stadium, a security barrier in the upper stand collapsed, causing dozens of spectators to fall onto the lower tier.
Initial reports indicated one death at the scene, but the toll has steadily risen as injured fans succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. The Algerian health ministry confirmed that two additional fans died from their injuries the day following the incident, with a fourth victim dying later while receiving hospital treatment.
The Algerian Ministry of Health detailed the distribution of casualties across multiple medical facilities. Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people while recording three deaths. Ben Aknoun Hospital treated 27 injured individuals, and Bab El Oued Hospital received 16 patients. Reports indicate that most of the injured have since been released from medical care.
Local media footage captured the moment of collapse, with broadcaster El Heddaf TV’s Facebook page posting video showing part of the railing collapsing onto the lower tier. The images revealed the extent of the structural failure that led to the mass casualty event.
MC Alger identified one of the victims as Younes Amgozi, a club supporter. The team posted on Facebook: “With great sadness and grief… we received the news of the supporter.” The club has not yet commented on the other fatalities.
In response to the emergency, MC Alger players, staff, and administrators rushed to hospitals to donate blood for the injured victims. The planned trophy presentation ceremony was immediately postponed out of respect for the victims and their families.
The 85,000-capacity stadium was filled with thousands of fans who had gathered to witness their team’s championship celebration. During the match, the atmosphere was festive, with green smoke from flares filling the venue as supporters celebrated what they expected to be a night of triumph.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences to the victims’ families and expressed wishes for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. The presidential response highlighted the national significance of the incident.
The Confederation of African Football also responded to the disaster, with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressing deep sadness over the loss of lives. He indicated that CAF would continue to provide whatever assistance possible to those affected by the incident.
MC Alger, founded in 1921, plays their home matches at the Ali La Pointe Stadium. The club competes in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, the top division of the country’s football league system. As of the 2023-2024 season, MC Alger held the highest market value among Algerian football clubs at 9.68 million euros.
The 5 July 1962 Stadium, where the incident occurred, is a football and athletics venue that was inaugurated in 1972. The facility serves as one of Algeria’s premier sporting venues and regularly hosts major matches and events.
This championship victory marked MC Alger’s ninth league title and their successful retention of the championship they won the previous year. The club’s achievement was overshadowed by the loss of life among their own supporters during what should have been a celebration.
Authorities have not yet issued statements regarding stadium safety protocols or announced any investigation into the structural failure that caused the barrier collapse. The incident raises questions about venue safety standards and crowd management procedures at major sporting events.
Emergency services responded immediately to the scene, with ambulances transporting the injured to the three major hospitals throughout Algiers. The coordinated medical response helped manage the large number of casualties resulting from the collapse.
The death toll’s progression from one to four over several days illustrates the severity of injuries sustained by those who fell from the upper stands. Medical officials continue to monitor remaining patients as they recover from the incident.