ReutersThe government said at least 56 people were killed in a fight following clashes at a soccer match in Nzérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city.
Prime Minister Oury Bah said in a statement that an investigation was underway to find those responsible, calling the incident “tragic” and offering condolences to the bereaved family.
An anonymous doctor told AFP news agency that “there were bodies lined up as far as the eye could see in the hospital”.
“Other people are lying on the floor in the hallway. The morgue is full,” he added.
Local media said police used tear gas after supporters of away team Labé threw rocks onto the field to show anger at the referee.
A witness told AFP: “It all started with a controversial decision by the referee. After that, fans flooded the field.”
Videos and photos on social media appeared to show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with crowds trying to climb over walls and countless bodies on the ground.
Some of the people lying motionless on the ground appeared to be children.
The BBC has not been able to independently verify these videos.
Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré, told the BBC that internet access in the area had been restricted and police were guarding the entrance to the hospital where the injured were being treated.
“I observed six police pick-up vehicles positioned in front of the three entrances to the hospital. They only allowed medical staff to enter the hospital, while others were asked to return the way they came.”
Prime Minister Bah expressed condolences for the dozens of people killed and promised full medical and psychological support to all the injured.
Local news website MediaGuinée reported that thousands of spectators were present when the collision occurred during the match between Nzérékoré and Labé.
It said Sunday’s match was part of a tournament honoring President Mamady Doumboya, who took power in a coup in September 2021.
In recent months, powerful figures in Guinean football have come under increasing scrutiny.
In July, Aboubacar Sampil, president of the country’s football association Feguifoot, became the subject of an investigation into corruption and violence in football.
A junior colleague accused Mr Sampil, who also leads the board of directors of local football team ASK, of facilitating the violence and trying to influence the referee in the match which ASK was losing to Milo FC 0-1.
The second team had to abandon the game and had difficulty leaving the field safely, according to documents filed with Feguifoot’s ethics authority.
Among other crimes, Mr. Sampil was also accused of ignoring protocol and meaninglessly appointing people to jobs.
He always denied any wrongdoing.
Additional reporting by Armand Mouko
