China News Network, May 5 Comprehensive foreign media reported that on the 21th local time, El Salvador police said on social media Twitter that a stampede of spectators of a football match occurred in San Salvador, the capital of the country, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds more.
According to the BBC, the quarterfinals of a national football match were held that night. Many fans who could not enter due to fake tickets tried to force themselves into the stadium, during which a stampede occurred, resulting in casualties. Many of the injured were in serious condition.
Image source: Screenshot of the BBC report
Police said at least 12 people had died, all of whom were over 18 years old. The stampede occurred during the race and was suspended after the incident.
According to the Associated Press, photos shared by local media showed fans trying to remove barricades at the entrance to the stadium. "A crowd of fans rushed through the gate." A volunteer from the rescue commando first aid organization told reporters, "They managed to reach the stands, and then there was a stampede and someone suffocated. ”
Luis Alonso Amaya of El Salvador's Civil Protection Agency said about 500 people were rescued. Health Minister Francisco Arabi said on social media Twitter that emergency teams had been deployed and about 90 people were being transferred to local hospitals. He added that most of the injured were in a "stable" condition.
At present, the Salvadoran authorities are still investigating the specific cause of the stampede.
Salvadoran President Bukele said the stampede was "unprecedented" and that police would conduct an "exhaustive investigation" into what happened. He added, "Whoever is responsible, they will not go unpunished." ”
FIFA President Gianni Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences to the victims and their families in a statement.
According to public information, the Kuscatlan stadium was opened in 1976 and has a capacity of 4,4 spectators.