At least 13 people, including seven children, were killed in a stampede at the Barea stadium in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. The stampede occurred at the entrance of the stadium, where a crowd of approximately 50,000 spectators had gathered for the opening ceremony of the Indian Ocean Island Games. The cause of the tragedy is yet to be determined. The Red Cross and local MP Hanitra Razafimanantsoa reported 13 deaths and 107 injuries, while the Prime Minister Christian Ntsay initially stated that there were 12 deaths and around 80 injuries. The Red Cross warned that the death toll may rise. Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, who was present at the event, called for a minute of silence and described the incident as a tragic event caused by pushing at the entrance. The Barea stadium had experienced a similar tragedy in 2019 during a concert, which claimed 16 lives, including three children. Stadium deaths are not uncommon in Madagascar, with a previous incident in 2016 resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries due to an explosion during a national holiday celebration at the same stadium. The Indian Ocean Island Games, a multi-disciplinary sports event, will continue in Madagascar until September 3.