DR Congo: 23 die in stampede at tribute festival for late singer Emeneya

USPA News - A tribute festival in honor of the late Congolese singer King Kester Emeneya in his hometown in the Democratic Republic of the Congo turned into tragedy early Friday morning when a stampede took place, killing at least 23 people and injuring others, officials said. The incident happened at around 2 a.m. local time on Friday in Kikwit, the largest city in southwestern Bandundu province and the hometown of Emeneya.

The popular African singer, who was first part of the Congolese band `Viva La Musica` and later `Victoria Eleison,` died in France in February at the age of 57. The festival, held on Thursday night in honor of Emeneya`s life, turned into tragedy when a generator failed and caused a power outage, resulting in a stampede in which festivalgoers were trampled. Provincial government spokesman Camille Sesep said more than 20 people were killed and that several others were seriously injured, but Radio Okapi cited hospital sources as saying that at least 23 people had died while 19 others were injured. The remainder of the festival, which was expected to continue until Sunday, was canceled after the deadly stampede, Sesep said, adding that an investigation was still ongoing.