Local media in Madagascar reported that at least 12 people died in a stampede at a stadium in the country on Friday during the opening ceremony of the Indian Ocean Islands Games. Reports indicated that Prime Minister Christian Ntsay announced the fatalities, adding that around 80 others were injured, 11 of whom are in critical condition. Reports stated that Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina was present at the event held at Mahamasina Stadium in the capital, Antananarivo, and asked the audience to observe a moment of silence for the deceased.
The stadium, built to accommodate around 41,000 people, has been the site of previous deadly stampedes, including an incident in 2018 where one person died and at least 37 others were injured during a stampede before a qualifying match for the Africa Cup of Nations between Madagascar and Senegal. In 2019, at least 15 people died in a stampede during a concert at the stadium.
