afrol News, 2 October - At least 19 children perished and several others wounded yesterday after a stampede inside a disco in central Tanzania, police officials said. The stampede took place in Tabora region, about 750 kilometers north-west of commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.

"There are 19 people dead, 11 girls and eight boys, aged between 12 and 17. They were in a children's disco, celebrating Eid," Salva Rweyemamu, director of communications at Tanzania's presidential office said.

President Jakaya Kikwete has sent condolences to families of victims, reportedly to have all been in their teen ages.

Tabora regional police commander Daudi Siasi said preliminary investigations revealed children died of stampede and suffocation in the disco hall.

He said incident occurred at a building owned by National Social Security Fund (NSSF) during Eid al-Fitr festivities that mark end of Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadhan.

Tabora Police chief said that stampede was caused by a commotion in the disco after air-conditioning system in the building malfunctioned.

Mr Saisi said several people were injured and taken to Tobora town's hospitals, where some were either admitted, or treated then allowed to go home. "Several injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals," he said.

He said a town is in a sombre mood as a result the incident, further stating that police have launched investigations into what had really caused the stampede.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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