A deadly crowd crush at a soccer match in Guinea has left at least 56 people dead and many others injured, authorities reported on Monday. Information Minister Fana Soumah confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the cause of the tragedy at a stadium in the southern city of Nzérékoré.

Social media footage showed fans desperately trying to escape the packed stadium. Prime Minister Bah Oury condemned the incident, calling it a tragic disruption during the football match between the Labé and Nzérékoré teams. In a statement, he urged calm and emphasized the importance of not hindering hospital services as they treated the injured. Local authorities have been tasked with restoring order and ensuring social tranquility. Oury promised a more detailed report on the incident would be forthcoming.

CNN has not been able to verify these reports. Witnesses, however, told Reuters that the chaos began after a referee sent off a player in the match's final moments, leading to outrage and fans hurling stones. "The stone-throwing started, and the police intervened, firing tear gas. In the panic that followed, I saw people fall, with girls and children trampled. It was horrifying," said Amara Conde, a witness.

Former president Alpha Conde criticized the organizers for scheduling the match amid the country's ongoing tensions and restrictions.