No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
At least six people have lost their lives amid a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of applicants who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," stated a release from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who remain in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and frequently result in chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a week to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
