At least three people have died and dozens others injured after falling from the upper stand of the 5 July Stadium during celebration as MC Alger clinched the Algerian Ligue 1 title following a goalless draw against NC Magra on Saturday.

According to the BBC, the incident happened moments after the final whistle when a security barrier in the upper stand of the fully packed stadium collapsed and fell on the low tier as fans surged forward to celebrate MC Alger retaining the league title they won last year.

The country’s health ministry confirmed that three people were killed as a result of the incident, adding that over 70 others, most who have been released, were treated for various degrees of injury.

“The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded. Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16,” the ministry said in a statement on Facebook.

Meanwhile, players and staff from MC Alger have gone to the hospitals to donate blood to the injured, according to news agency Reuters.

The league governing body has also postponed the presentation of the league trophy over the tragic incident. 

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has offered condolences to the victims’ families while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

“Following the painful tragedy that befell the fans of Mouloudia d’Alger today at the 5 July Stadium, I can only offer my condolences to the soul of the deceased supporter,” Mr Tebboune said.

He added, “May God have mercy on him and grant him eternal peace. We offer our condolences to ourselves, his family, his fellow supporters, and the staff of Mouloudia d’Alger, and I pray to the Almighty to grant a speedy recovery to the injured in the accident and to return them to their families as soon as possible.”