A stampede caused by a power outraged resulted in the deaths of 21 people at a crowded music festival in Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The crush occurred in Kikwit on the first night of a festival to commemorate famous Congolese rumba musician King Kester Emeneya, who died last month,” reports Reuters.

A provincial government spokesperson said that also 12 others were injured and an inquest has been launched into the causes of the tragedy.

But according to survivors, the power cut led to the stampede towards the exits. People were crushed in the process.

“When the power went out we tried to contain the crowd that was outside and wanted to enter the stadium, which was already full,” a policeman said.

“At the same time those inside wanted to get out, that is why there was a crush which resulted in these deaths.”