1st LD: Nine die in Eid party stampede in Ghana

Nine people died and several others injured in a stampede Thursday dawn at a social gathering at Asawase, a predominant Muslim community near Kumasi, some 270 km north of Ghana's capital.

It is not readily clear what caused the incident but one report said the victims had attended a party with between 200 to 300 revelers in attendance.

The party was as part of activities to celebrate the Islamic festival Eid ul Fitr when a power cut sparked confusion leading to the stampede.

Another report said there was an announcement that a fight had broken out inside the venue which caused people to panic thus headed for the only exit.

Six of the deceased are women, the reports said.

The police have already launched an investigation into the incident and are on the heels of the suspect who reportedly cut the power to the community center. Enditem