Congo-Brazzaville stampede: Dozens killed during army recruitment drive

At least 37 people have died in a stampede during an army recruitment drive at a stadium in Congo-Brazzaville, officials have said.

Some people tried to force their way through stadium's gates in the capital, Brazzaville, causing the stampede, residents have been quoted as saying.

Last week, the army announced plans to recruit about 1,500 people between the ages of 18 and 25.

It is unclear how many people were injured in the overnight crush.

A government statement said that a "crisis unit" has been set up, the AFP news agency reports.

According to the Associated Press agency, as many as 700 people a day have been registering over the last week at recruitment centres.

Late on Monday night, thousands of young people reportedly turned up at Michel d'Ornano stadium to be first in line on Tuesday.