Tragedy at Title Celebration: 3 Dead, 70 Injured as Fans Fall from Stadium Stands in Algeria

Algiers, June 23 – What began as a night of jubilation turned into a devastating tragedy when three football fans lost their lives and at least 70 others were injured after a security barrier collapsed at Algeria’s Stade du 5 Juillet stadium during MC Alger’s title celebration on Saturday.

The incident occurred as thousands of supporters packed the 64,200-capacity stadium to celebrate MC Alger’s Ligue 1 championship win, their second consecutive title. The match against NC Magra ended in a 0–0 draw, securing the top spot for MC Alger, but joy turned to horror as fans surged forward in celebration.

A widely circulated video on social media captured the terrifying moment when a section of the upper-tier security barrier gave way, leaving dozens of ecstatic supporters with no protection from the steep drop below. The resulting fall led to widespread injuries and fatalities in the lower stands.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with medical teams deployed across the stadium to attend to the injured. The Algerian Ministry of Health confirmed that the Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured fans, while Ben Aknoun Hospital treated 27, and Bab El Oued Hospital received 16. Authorities confirmed three fatalities, with one victim, Younes Amguzzi, identified by the club.

MC Alger expressed grief in a heartfelt statement:"It is with great sadness and sorrow and with heavy hearts that we received the news of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands."

In a gesture of solidarity, players, coaches, and club officials postponed the trophy presentation and gathered to donate blood for the injured.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended his condolences, calling it a "painful tragedy," and conveyed his sympathy to the victims' families and all those affected.

As investigations are launched into the incident, questions are being raised about the stadium’s safety protocols, particularly regarding crowd control and infrastructure integrity. The Stade du 5 Juillet, built in 1972 and renovated several times since, has faced scrutiny in the past for maintenance issues.

Local authorities and the Algerian Football Federation are expected to conduct a full review of the incident and assess future safety measures to prevent such occurrences.

The tragedy casts a shadow over what should have been a moment of pride for MC Alger and its supporters. As the nation mourns, focus now turns to ensuring safety in sporting venues and preventing further loss of life.