What began as a moment of jubilation at the July 5 Stadium quickly turned to tragedy on Saturday evening, as one person lost their life and eleven others were injured following a barrier collapse during MC Alger’s championship celebrations.
The incident occurred moments after referee Tayeb Bouderbal blew the final whistle in MC Alger’s goalless draw with NC Magra, a result that secured the club’s ninth Algerian league title.
As fans erupted in celebration, a section of the upper stands directly above the press box gave way, sending several spectators plunging several metres to the lower level.
According to a statement from the Civil Protection Agency, the collapse resulted in one fatality and left eleven others with various injuries.
Eyewitness footage and photographs quickly circulated on social media, showing mangled metal supports and rusted barriers, raising urgent questions over the stadium’s structural integrity and crowd safety protocols.
Initial analysis of video evidence indicates that a surge of fans from the back of the stand created forward pressure on those nearest the railing.
Under the force of the crowd, the barrier collapsed, sending around twenty individuals tumbling over the edge.
Some fans were reportedly able to break their fall by grabbing hold of a large banner, which remained partially suspended and may have reduced the severity of injuries for some.
“The barrier seemed to hold on briefly due to the banner, which perhaps prevented more serious casualties,” said one observer. “Without it, the outcome could have been much worse.”
Concerns are now mounting over the stadium’s capacity and crowd management.
Despite an official seated capacity of 64,000, estimates from observers on the scene suggest between 70,000 and 80,000 fans were present—far exceeding the venue’s intended limit.
The overcapacity and inadequate infrastructure appear to have played a role in the tragic event.
While the cause of the collapse is still under investigation, the visible state of decay in some of the stadium’s fittings has intensified scrutiny on those responsible for maintenance and safety.
Calls are growing louder for accountability and a comprehensive review of stadium security and infrastructure across the country.
As authorities begin inquiries into what led to Saturday’s disaster, questions linger over how such a breakdown in basic safety standards occurred during one of the Algerian football calendar’s most high-profile fixtures.
For the supporters of MC Alger, what should have been a day of triumph will now be forever remembered for its tragic toll.
