 Ellis Park Stadium, the site of the disaster, seen in 2010 | |
| Date | 11 April 2001 |
|---|---|
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Deaths | 43 |
The Ellis Park Stadium disaster was a crowd crush that occurred on 11 April 2001, claiming the lives of 43 people. Surpassing the Oppenheimer Stadium disaster, it became the worst sporting accident in South African history.[1] Spectators poured into the Ellis Park Stadium in the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, for the local Soweto derby association football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. There was a 60,000 capacity crowd in the stadium, but reports suggest a further 30,000 more fans were trying to gain entry to the stadium. Reports also suggest that 120,000 fans were admitted into the stadium. An Orlando Pirates equaliser sparked a further surge by the fans trying to gain entry as they scrambled to see what had happened. The match was stopped after approximately 34 minutes of play when authorities received an unusually high volume of reported injuries.[2]
- ^ Said, Nick (29 July 2017). "Africa's tragic record of stadium disasters". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
- ^ agencies, Staff and (12 April 2001). "Families mourn 43 killed in football stampede". the Guardian. Retrieved 13 September 2021.