60 trampled to death including Children.wmv

60 trampled to death in Ivory Coast

Over 60 children were killed and hundreds were injured when a stampede broke out at a venue in the Ivory Coast New Year's Eve.

The tragic accident happened during New Year celebrations on Monday night at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium in the capital Abidjan.

The crowd had gathered to watch the launch of fireworks, when there was panic and dozens of people were trampled to death.

The accident happened at about one o'clock on Monday night, and when rescue crews arrived two hours later they were too late to do anything.

- At least 200 injured

According to state media, all the dead being children, according to CNN. The victims must have been aged eight to 15 years, according to local media.

The head of the military's rescue, Lieutenant Colonel Issa Sako says at least 200 people were injured in the panic.

Another rescuer said that 48 were injured. The number of dead and injured is expected to rise.

Unclear events

Many desperate parents looking for their children instead.

- I see all the bodies, but can not find my son. I do not know what to do, says Mamadou Sanogo to Abidjan.net .

- My two kids came here yesterday. I asked them not to go, but they would not listen. They left while I was sleeping. What should I do, saying Assetou Toure as when Reuters spoke to her did not know whether the children were alive.

According to Sako was panic when the crowd tried to get into the arena where New Year celebrations took place, reports Sky News .