Ellis Stadium Stadium Disaster: Kaizer Chiefs Physiotherapist Remembers Haunting Details of Tragic Night

• Many who were there will remember the Ellis Park Stadium Disaster from their own horrific point of view
• On 11 April 2001, 43 spectators were crushed to death in a stampede amid the doomed excitement of the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates
• The Amakhosi's long-serving physiotherapist David Milner shared his memories of that tragic night

David Milner has been the physiotherapist at Kaizer Chiefs for 24 long years.

In that time, the Ellis Park Stadium Disaster has been the worst memory of his time at the club.

Recalling the details of the night of 11 April 2001, he said according to the Amakhosi's website:

“I am 48, and I’ve been working for Chiefs for 24 years now. I had been at Chiefs for about three years when the Ellis Park disaster occurred. It was a very traumatic event and it still brings up a lot of very vivid memories. I got physically ill for a week afterwards. Your immune system takes such a whack after the stress of that experience.”

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Milner detailed how the Chiefs substitutes were in a jovial mood following Tony Ilodigwe's opening goal, which is what is believed to have sparked the excitement in the tunnel where the stampede started as spectators rushed to get in. Benedict Vilakazi's equaliser minutes later in that fateful first half only worsened a dire situation, with Milner stating how its gravity dawned on everyone on the bench.

Ellis Park disaster was avoidable

Sports Brief reported on how the uncomfortable facts stemming from the disaster, how it was avoidable and that there has been no justice for the victims and their heartbroken families.

Apart from the 43 people who were killed in the stampede, more than 250 others were injured in a venue that was over its capacity by several thousands of spectators.

Fans who were interviewed after the tragedy criticised both clubs' handling of safety measures that night, levelling accusations against the two of just being interested in selling tickets more than the wellbeing of fans. Law enforcement was also blamed for allowing disorderly conduct outside the venue.