What began as a day of jubilation for MC Alger fans quickly descended into horror after a tragic stadium accident claimed the lives of three supporters and left more than 70 others injured.
The historic Stade du 5 Juillet, echoing with cheers after MC Alger secured the Algerian Ligue 1 title with a goalless draw against NC Magra, became the scene of chaos and grief moments after the final whistle.
A security barrier on the upper tier of the stadium reportedly gave way, sending dozens of fans plunging from a dangerous height into the lower stands.
Eyewitnesses described a chilling scene: celebratory chants turning into cries for help, with emergency crews rushing into the stands as shocked spectators stood frozen in disbelief.
“It happened so fast,” said one supporter. “One moment we were singing, and the next people were falling.”
Authorities confirmed that the accident occurred just as thousands of fans surged forward to celebrate with players, who had gathered in front of their supporters.
The weight of the crowd appears to have overwhelmed the aging infrastructure.
Photographs from the stadium show a shattered section of the barrier, dangerously exposed, as medics worked frantically to assist the injured. At least 81 people were taken to hospitals across Algiers.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Health detailed the extent of the tragedy: “The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded. Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16.”
The Algerian Football Federation has launched an immediate investigation into the incident, with questions being raised about the state of stadium infrastructure and crowd control protocols at high-stakes matches.
MC Alger, one of the nation’s oldest and most decorated clubs, has yet to issue a formal statement, but players were visibly shaken. Celebrations were swiftly halted as news of the fatalities spread.
This tragedy echoes previous concerns raised about the structural integrity of the 64,200-seat stadium, which has long been criticized for outdated safety measures despite its iconic status.