"Initial official reports indicated that 61 people were crushed to death."United Nations (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his "deep sorrow" over a deadly stampede which took place in the early hours of the new year in Cote d`Ivoire`s biggest city.
"The secretary-general has learnt with deep sorrow of the heavy human toll of the stampede, which occurred during the New Year`s festivities in Abidjan," said a statement issued here by Ban`s spokesperson.
"Initial official reports indicated that 61 people were crushed to death and at least 50 others were injured, most of them young people," the statement said.
In the statement, the UN chief offered his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims, and to the people and the government of Cote d`Ivoire.
According to the statement, the United Nations Operation in Cote d`Ivoire (UNOCI) has placed a medical team and all available logistical means at the disposal of the government to help deal with emergency services, assistance to the victims and for the needs of the immediate investigation.
The Cote d`Ivoire authorities have declared a three-day national mourning period following the stampede, while President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday called for a "speedy" inquiry into the tragedy.
During the national mourning period that began on Wednesday, all flags flew at half mast and the citizens were urged to remember the victims of the tragedy.
(U.C003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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