At least seven people lost their lives and countless others were injured in a tragic stampede at a music concert in the Congolese capital on Saturday.
The incident occurred during a performance by popular gospel singer Mike Kalambayi at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium.
Local authorities confirmed the fatalities and reported that several critically injured individuals were receiving intensive care.
While the exact cause of the stampede remains under investigation, the concert organizer, Maajabu Gospel, suggested that the chaos erupted when security forces attempted to subdue disruptive attendees.
Footage from the event depicts immense crowds gathered outside the stadium and chaotic scenes within as concertgoers rushed towards the stage. An estimated 30,000 people attended the concert, which featured multiple artists and religious leaders.
This is not the first time a stampede has occurred at the Stade des Martyrs. In a similar incident last October, eleven people died during another music concert. The recurring tragedies have raised serious concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at large-scale events in the country.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of life and calls for improved safety measures at public gatherings.
