At least 29 killed in Liberia church stampede

ABUJA, Nigeria

A stampede at a religious gathering in Liberia has killed at least 29 people, a minister said on Thursday.

The incident occurred during an all-night worship event at a church in New Kru town near the capital Monrovia, Deputy Information Minister Jalawah Tonpo told state radio.

"The doctors said 29 people died and some are critical," he said, calling the tragedy "a sad day for our country."

Police spokesperson Moses Carter said aid teams had been dispatched to the region, and an investigation has been initiated.

*Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev in Ankara