4) Ellis Park Stadium – Johannesburg, South Africa (Death toll: 43)
Ellis Park Stadium. Photo credit: City Press
On April 11, 2001, 43 spectators were crushed to death in a stampede at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg as thousands gathered to watch the local Soweto derby match between the Kaizer Chiefs and the Orlando Pirates.
Reports say trouble started when fans, estimated to be in excess of 120,000, tried to force their way in to the 60,000 capacity stadium.
As the match got underway, wild celebrations in the stadium occurred as the Orlando Pirates scored an equalizer that led to an even stronger push from fans eager to get in to the stadium.
In the ensuing stampede, 43 persons‚ including children‚ were killed as police responded by firing tear gas in to the stands.
