Soccer supporters in a stampede forced through one of the entrance gates at a quarterfinal game in the Salvadoran league on Saturday, resulting in at least nine deaths and numerous injuries.
Nine fatalities were reported at the match between the clubs Alianza and FAS at Cuscatlan’s Monumental stadium, around 25 miles (41 kilometers) northeast of the city, according to a preliminary report from the National Civil Police posted on Twitter.
According to authorities, at least two injured patients who were taken to hospitals were in critical condition.
The deaths were also verified by Rescue Commandos spokesman Carlos Fuentes.
“We can confirm nine dead — seven men and two women — and we attended to more than 500 people, and more than 100 were transported to hospitals, some serious,” Fuentes said.
About 16 minutes into the game, people in the seats started waving wildly to gain the players’ attention, bringing the injured out of a tunnel and onto the field. At that point, the play was stopped.
Live footage of the aftermath of the Alianza fan stampede was broadcast on local television. Numerous people managed to reach the field, where they received medical attention.
Fans who managed to flee the crowd frantically waved shirts on the field to see people lying on the ground, scarcely moving.
The stampede happened because spectators could force their way through a barrier and into the stadium, according to Pedro Hernández, president of El Salvador’s top soccer division.
“The fans overran the gate like an avalanche. In the tunnel, several were still hidden behind the metal. According to an unnamed volunteer with the Rescue Commandos first aid team, others were smothered after making it to the stands and then the field.
At the scene of the tragedy, National Civil Police Commissioner Mauricio Arriza Chicas announced that a criminal investigation would be conducted in cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office.
“We are going to investigate from the ticket sales, the entries into the stadium, but especially the southern zone,” he added, adding that this is where he believes the gate was forced open.
In a statement, the Salvadoran Soccer Federation expressed sympathy for what had transpired and support for the victims’ families.
At least 9 dead in soccer stadium stampede in El Salvador pic.twitter.com/ThCm3tiwUl
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) May 21, 2023
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