37 youths killed while trying to join army in Congo

Authorities in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, reported on Tuesday that 37 young people were killed in a stampede that occurred overnight during an army recruitment drive in a stadium.

The Congolese army declared last week that it was hiring 1,500 individuals between the ages of 18 and 25.

According to Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, 37 people died in the “tragedy” and an unknown number were injured.

“A crisis unit has been set up under the authority of the prime minister,” a statement added.

Prospective recruits were instructed to report at Brazzaville’s Michel d’Ornano stadium.

Many people were still inside the stadium on Monday night when the rush started, according to locals.

Residents stated that several persons had tried to force their way through gates, causing many to be trampled in the rush.

At the time this report was filed, the specifics of the incident were still unclear.