Stampede at African Cup game kills eight

THE death toll of those who died in a stampede outside a game at the African Cup of Nations football tournament in Cameroon has risen to eight, while another seven people are in serious condition in hospital, authorities said.

The toll increased after two more fans were pronounced dead outside the Messassi hospital, police said.

Injured people had initially been rushed to that hospital by police and civilians trying to help.

The hospital quickly became overwhelmed and said it could not handle all the injured people.

A total of 38 people were hurt in the stampede, which happened on Monday night at the Olembe Stadium in the Cameroon capital of Yaounde.

The remaining 31 people had light to moderate injuries.

The injured are being treated at four different hospitals, Communication Minister Rene Sadi said.

The crush came when fans struggled to get into the stadium to watch Cameroon's team play Comoros in a highly-anticipated knockout game at Africa's top football tournament.