“At least one person has been killed and nearly 40 injured in a stampede at a Madagascar football stadium,” reports the BBC in their recent article entitled “Deadly stadium stampede at Madagascar v Senegal match.”
According to the article, “The incident occurred just before the start of Madagascar's match against Senegal in the qualifying round of the Africa Cup of Nations, local media said.”
“Thousands of spectators were still trying to get into the stadium through the only entrance,” the piece continues.
“Two of those hurt are in a critical condition in the capital, Antananarivo,” explains the BBC.
“Many people had been queuing up since the early hours of the morning for a 14:30 (12:30 GMT) kick-off at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina,” according to the news report.
“French radio station RFI reported there was a rush to enter the stadium when the gates were opened,” the article highlights.
"We were waiting in the queue from six o'clock in the morning. We were metres from the gate when the stampede took place. I was trampled on the back, but my backpack cushioned the impact," Rivo Raberisaona told the AFP news agency.
"I do not understand why there was only one gate open into the stadium when it's such a big match," said Henintsoa Mialy Harizafy, whose uncle was injured in the stampede.
The BBC shares “The game, featuring stars such as Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, was played as planned in front of a capacity crowd and ended in a 2-2 draw.”
“Stampedes at stadiums in Africa occur on a regular basis, often due to poor crowd control in over-crowded stadiums,” the article concludes.
News of this incident set the alarm off for us.
It’s why we do what we do every day – build world-leading software solutions for properties.
But, that’s not all.
Stade Municipal de Mahamasina’s stampede demonstrates the need for Proactive Operations.
So, let’s talk about it.
We know ‘Proactive’ and ‘Operations’ are two words you’ve heard before.
‘Proactive’ means controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
‘Operations’ relates to the condition of functioning.
Something powerful happens when you combine the two.
Do you know what that is?
A new way of thinking, understanding, and executing is created.
Proactive Operations defines what every property, in every industry, must strive to achieve.
It represents those operations that have taken or plan to take their operation to the highest level of performance.
Sounds powerful, right?
Strategy, Infrastructure, and Technology are the three pillars of the Proactive Operations methodology that work together to produce and continuously support a world-class operation.
They’re the three pillars of high-performing operations that maximize customer experience and reduce risk.
Now keep reading; we’re going to explain where the methodology came from and, most importantly, why you need it!
Over the years, we’ve worked with many experts in various industries to help them improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operation.
We admit; we’re obsessed in our pursuit to understand what’s needed to help our customers achieve success.
But, we take pride in helping proactive leaders as yourself succeed.
It’s our duty.
From Corporate to Transportation operations, we’ve always worked to discover ways to contribute to the success of every operational function.
That’s when we had an epiphany.
Operations across every industry must move away from the reactive mindset they’ve had for years.
That mentality leads to incidents above.
It’s time for a proactive approach – one that will evolve with the demands of the environment.
We’ve done just that.
And while our long-term relationships with industry experts have shaped Proactive Operations, it’s their participation and contribution that has ignited a movement.
With Proactive Operations (and operations management software), you have the advantage of maximizing your performance, creating memories, and keeping your customers coming back to your property.
Then, let’s execute.
It’s time for you to start achieving maximum performance today!
Incidents like the deadly Stade Municipal de Mahamasina stampede spark our concern instantly because we know solutions exist to help prevent these situations from occurring.
The Proactive Operations methodology used at any property can do more than just help manage crowd control. You can save lives.
By employing strategy, infrastructure, and technology, you increase your odds of keeping customers safe, enhancing their experience, and reducing your organization's risk.
So, how long do you think it’ll take your property to employ Proactive Operations?