Concert stampede kills 33 in Guinea

Conakry, July 30 (IANS) At least 33 people were killed in a stampede following a beach concert in Guinea's capital Conakry, media reported Wednesday.

The tragedy occurred Tuesday when the crowd was leaving through a narrow gate after the concert, which was organised to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Xinhua reported.

Some people fell onto the ground and were trampled on, according to the reports.

Thousands of people, mostly children and youths, went to the concert to watch the performance of local popular rap groups. The event took place Tuesday evening on a beach in Ratoma in the capital.

The Guinean government called the incident a "tragic drama" and sacked an official in charge of the entertainment agency.

Guinean President Alpha Conde has announced a week of national mourning for the victims.

An earlier report citing hospital sources said there were 13 girls among the dead.