7 hurt as wall collapses

2002-03-25 18:08

East London - A wall at Duncan Village Stadium, East London, collapsed on Monday when scores of people stampeded in an attempt to get to food being handed out by a local church organisation, Eastern Cape police said.

Inspector Stephen Marais said the church organisation, River Ministries, funded by controversial evangelist Benny Hinn, handed out food tickets to members of the community which enabled them to get into the stadium to receive food parcels.

When the food had been handed out, the drivers of the delivery company, Umtiza Feeds, attempted to leave the stadium.

However, the entrance was blocked by scores of hungry people trying to get to the food. When the drivers tried to use an alternative exit, people swarmed into the stadium.

Marais said Robert Cloete (43), a driver of one of the trucks allegedly crashed into a wall, knocking it over and injuring seven people. A case of reckless and negligent driving is being investigated.

Marais said the department of labour was conducting its own investigation into the accident as well as the condition of the stadium.

The seven people injured were taken to Frere hospital. Five were later released while two are in a serious, but stable condition, Marais said.

- SAPA