At least 29 killed in Liberia stampede

Monrovia, Jan 20 (EFE).- At least 29 people, including several minors, have died in a stampede at a religious event in the outskirts of the Liberian capital, officials said on Thursday.

The stampede erupted Wednesday night after a gang of armed thieves attacked the religious gathering in New Kru Town, north of Monrovia.

Media reported that members of some armed gangs carrying machetes attacked the jam-packed Christian prayer gathering, triggering chaos as participants rushed to escape.

A parliamentarian from Montserrado country, where the capital is located, confirmed on Liberian state television LNTV that 30 people lost their lives in the disaster.

According to the local media, the stampede occurred after attackers blocked the entrance to the event venue.

Authorities have shifted dozens of people to the nearby Redemption Hospital. EFE

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