Death toll rises to 8 in Cameroon stadium crush; 38 injured

The death toll has risen to eight following a crush outside a game at the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament in Cameroon

YAOUNDE, Cameroon -- Eight people have now died after a stampede outside a game at the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament in Cameroon, as witnesses blamed security officials for errors while news footage showed fans climbing over fences earlier to bypass checks and get into the stadium.

Another seven people are in serious condition in the hospital after the crush, authorities said Tuesday.

The death toll increased after two more fans were pronounced dead outside the Messassi hospital, police said. Injured people had initially been rushed to that nearby hospital by police and civilians trying to help. The hospital quickly became overwhelmed and said it couldn't handle all the casualties.

A total of 38 people were hurt in the stampede, which happened Monday night at the Olembe Stadium in the Cameroon capital of Yaounde. The remaining 31 people had light to moderate injuries. The injured are now being treated at four different hospitals, Communication Minister René Sadi said.