Goalkeeper Brayan Cortes of Chile's Colo Colo confronts fans who invaded the field during a Copa Libertadores Group E soccer match against Brazil's Fortaleza at the Monumental stadium in Santiago, Chile, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
What was meant to be a night of triumph and jubilation quickly turned into tragedy at Algiers’ iconic July 5 Stadium, where the partial collapse of a stand during Mouloudia d’Alger’s championship celebration claimed the life of a supporter and left several others injured.
The accident occurred Saturday evening as tens of thousands of fans packed the stadium to witness Mouloudia d’Alger’s coronation as national champions for the ninth time.
Amid roaring celebrations, a section of a metal barrier in the upper stands gave way, sending a group of supporters plummeting.
Emergency responders later confirmed the death of Youssef Amghouzi, a devoted fan of the club, while several others sustained injuries—some in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with screams quickly replacing chants as people rushed to help the victims. “The moment the barrier broke, there was a wave of panic,” said one spectator. “It was supposed to be a celebration. Now it’s a nightmare.”
While the precise cause of the structural failure remains unconfirmed, witnesses and fans have pointed to visible corrosion on parts of the recently “renovated” infrastructure.
Despite official assurances about the stadium’s readiness and safety, the collapse has triggered fierce public outcry and renewed scrutiny over the state of Algeria’s sporting facilities.
The Algerian Professional Football League (LFP) swiftly canceled the post-match trophy ceremony and all official celebrations.
In a show of solidarity, Mouloudia d’Alger announced the suspension of all public festivities “until further notice,” citing respect for the victims and their families.
Online outrage surged in the hours following the incident. Social media users decried what they called chronic negligence by authorities. “An absolute tragedy.
Those who were responsible for security and maintenance have blood on their hands,” wrote one user on X, capturing the growing anger of many.
Official figures contradict early claims by state media that the stadium was over capacity.
Organizers confirmed that approximately 60,000 fans attended—well below the 75,000-seat limit—intensifying calls for accountability.
Despite the severity of the incident, the government has yet to issue a formal statement or launch a public investigation. As pressure mounts, many in Algeria are demanding answers and justice for what they view as a preventable tragedy rooted in years of systemic neglect.
The July 5 Stadium disaster is poised to become a turning point in the ongoing debate over infrastructure safety in Algeria, where promises of reform have often gone unfulfilled.
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