LILONGWE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Malawi's President Peter Mutharika on Thursday expressed grief over the stampede at Bingu National Stadium in the country's capital Lilongwe that killed eight people and injured at least 62.
In his condolence statement, Mutharika said the Malawi government would assist in meeting funeral expenses of the deceased eight, seven of whom are children between 7 and 15.
"I want to offer my condolence to the families affected by the tragedy and death of our brothers and sisters at the stadium this morning," he said.
The country's police are yet to issue an official statement on what really caused the stampede.
Eyewitnesses said the stampede happened as a crowd struggled to squeeze through a gate into the stadium, where the main event marking the celebrations was to take place with the country's President Peter Mutharika as guest of honor.
