Head of State Abdelkader Bensalah sent Friday a message of condolence to the families of the victims of the stampede at a concert Thursday in Algiers, stressing that a strict investigation will be conducted into the tragic event and that the necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
"Families have been grieved Thursday by the tragic incident in a stampede at a concert in the August-20 Stadium (Algiers), in which young girls and young men lost their lives while they were there for entertainment," the head of State wrote in a message of condolence to the families of the victims.
"I learned with consternation and a deep affliction about the tragic event which has bereaved the victims' families, who expecting to see their children back, joyful following a concert that has drawn thousands of young people looking for relaxation and entertainment."
"In this painful ordeal, my heart goes out to those families, to whom I express my sincere condolence and deep compassion, praying that Almighty and Merciful God would grant our deceased children His Divine Mercy and help their relatives to get patience and consolation, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured."
"Reiterating my sincere condolence and expressing my sympathy to the families of the victims, I stress the necessity for rigorous investigations, by the authorities, into the circumstances of this tragedy, and to disclose the findings of the investigations and take the appropriate measures as soon as possible, to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," the head of State said.
Prime Minister offers condolence to victims' families
Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui on Friday offered condolences to the families of the victims of the stampede at the musical concert held by Algerian rapper Soolking, Thursday evening at a stadium in Algiers, the Prime Minister office said in a statement.
"Following the tragic event that resulted in the death of five young people at a concert held in the 20 August 1955 Stadium, Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui presents, in his own name and in the name of the Government, his sincere condolences to the victims' families, Praying Almighty God to support them in this painful ordeal and provide them with patience and solace. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return," the statement said.
"An inquiry has been opened into the tragic incident" to take the "necessary measures," the statement added.
At least five people were killed and 23 injured in the stampede during Algerian rapper Soolking's concert Thursday evening in Algiers, hospital sources said.