Five killed in stampede at Soolking concert in Algeria

An administration issue provoked a deadly stampede at the entrance of rapper Soolking’s concert in Algeria attended by thousands of people.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

23 August, 2019

Thousands gathered to see Soolking, a hugely popular Algerian singer, rapper and dancer [Wikimedia]

At least five people have been killed and 21 injured in a devastating stampede at a rap concert in the Algerian capital on Thursday evening.

Thousands of young people attended the highly anticipated performance of popular Algerian rapper and singer Soolking, whose real name is Abderraouf Derradji.

Despite the tragedy, which broke out at the entrance to the stadium, the show went forward and was broadcasted live on Algerian TV.

Derradji has yet to publicly comment on the incident, which Algerian media say killed three young men and three young women.

A video circulating on social media showed someone being carried outside the stadium on a stretcher.

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Witnesses say the stampede was caused by an administration problem at the entrance, according to Algeria’s TSA news.

It said those injured are not in a critical condition, according to TSA.

Photos posted on social media before the concert shows huge crowds of concert goers outside the stadium. Some criticised the organisers for selling more tickets than there was capacity.

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