During the match between Congolese football clubs TP Mazembe and Vita Club, missiles were thrown onto the pitch and the referee chose to delay play.
Fifteen people died after police launched tear gas into the stands causing a stampede.[2] A police source who declined to be named put the death toll higher, at 18.[3] Governor Andre Kimbuta said at least 24 other people were injured during the melee that followed.[4]
Supporters were said to have been blinded by the gas, with the panic and confusion contributing to the collapse of a stadium wall. Suffocation was reported to have been the cause of death in most instances.[5]