A World Cup security guard has died after falling from a concourse at the Lusail Stadium for Argentina’s quarter-final match against the Netherlands.
John Njau Kibe, a Kenyan who moved to Qatar a year ago, had been in intensive care for several days and authorities have launched an investigation.
The incident took place at the same stadium within an hour of Grant Wahl, a US football writer, collapsing and dying while working in the media tribune.
Qatar’s Supreme Committee said it is “investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency…. We will also ensure that his family receive all outstanding dues and monies owed.”
The 24-year-old was taken to Hamad Medical Hospital in an ambulance following the “serious fall while on duty”, the Government said. No further detail was provided although sources confirmed he fell from the concrete concourse outside.
“Stadium medical teams immediately attended the scene and provided emergency treatment before he was transferred to Hamad Medical Hospital’s intensive care unit via ambulance,” a statement added.
“We regret to announce that, despite the efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday 13 December, after being in the intensive care unit for three days. His next of kin have been informed.
“We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.”
Qatar, where foreigners make up the majority of the 2.9 million population, has faced intense criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers.
Prior to the death, Qatari officials disputed claims there had been thousands of deaths involved in the World Cup development projects. According to the SC, there were “three work-related deaths and 37 non-work related deaths on the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy’s project”.
However, Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the SC, had told Piers Morgan in an interview that “the estimate is around 400 between 400 and 500, I don’t have the exact number”.
