AFCON 2022: Eight Dead, Fifty Injured During Cameroon Vs Comoros Tragedy

Cameroonian President Paul Biya has ordered an investigation into the tragedy that occurred on Monday as crowds attempted to enter Olembe stadium in the capital Yaounde to watch the host nation play Comoros.

Although the stadium's capacity of 60,000 had been limited over the coronavirus pandemic, the cap is raised to 80 percent when Cameroon's Indomitable Lions play.

"Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their 30s, four men in their 30s, one child, one body taken away by the family," said a preliminary health ministry report.

The ministry said victims were "immediately transported" in ambulances, but "heavy road traffic slowed down the transport".

Communications Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi said that 38 people were injured in the crush, including seven seriously, according to a statement.

The health ministry reported earlier that around 50 people were injured, including two people with multiple injuries and two more with serious head wounds.

A baby was also reportedly trampled by the crowd, the ministry added. The infant was "immediately extracted and taken to Yaounde General Hospital" and is in a "medically stable" condition, it added.