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DR Congo stampede: Deaths at Emeneya tribute in Kikwit | |
(about 11 hours later) | |
At least 14 people have been crushed to death in a stampede at a tribute festival for Congolese singer King Kester Emeneya. | |
Officials said "a rush due to the enthusiasm of the audience" took place in the singer's home town of Kikwit in the Democratic Republic of Congo. | |
Some reports said 21 people had died. | |
Thousands attended Emeneya's funeral near Kinshasa in March. He died the previous month in Paris, aged 57, from heart problems. | |
The festival, which was due to continue until Sunday, has now been cancelled. | The festival, which was due to continue until Sunday, has now been cancelled. |
"The provisional toll, which we deeply regret, stands at 14 dead - including two policemen - and eight wounded," said Camille Sesep, a spokesman for Bandundu province. | |
"The government is busy taking charge of the victims," he added. | |
Some survivors at a hospital in Kikwit - about 500km (300 miles) from the capital Kinshasa - said a power cut at the festival had triggered a rush to the exits, Reuters reported. | |
Correspondents say Emeneya was an innovative musician who introduced electronic instruments such as the synthesiser to Congolese music. |
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