WATCH: 12 killed and numerous injured in El Salvador’s stadium stampede, local police takes action
According to the reports, the stampede at the El Salvador stadium has left 12 dead as many are currently in a critical condition in the nearby medical facilities.
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El Salvador stadium witnesses a horrific stampede as fans rush in the stadium (Image Via- Google)
El Salvador stadium stampede on Saturday has left at least twelve dead. Fans reportedly pushed through one of the access gates at a quarterfinal match in the Salvadoran league Saturday.
The horrific incident occurred during a match between local team Alianza and the Santa Ana-based team Fas at Cuscatlán Stadium. The match was subsequently suspended. It all happened after a large number of fans tried to enter the venue after the gates had been closed. Footage shared by the local media appeared to show fans attempting to pull down barricades at the stadium’s entrance. Officials seem to believe some fans had been sold fake tickets. They said that an investigation was underway.
A live stream of the match posted on YouTube showed the match being suspended after an apparent commotion in the stands. People were later seen being carried away by emergency services on stretchers. Fans were also seen waving their shirts at people on the ground to try and cool them down.
President Nayib Bukele reportedly described the incident as “unprecedented”. He said an “exhaustive investigation” would be launched. The police department earlier said that seven men and two women were among the dead. All the victims were over the age of 18.
The president mentioned that everyone will be investigated, including teams, managers, stadium officials, the league, and the federation. In a press release posted by his secretary, Bukele said, “Whoever the culprits are, they will not go unpunished “.
Luis Alonso Amaya, from the Civil Protection Department, said that about 500 people had been given medical treatment, with many transferred to hospital. The Salvadoran Soccer Federation reportedly said that all national-level football matches on Sunday would be suspended. The federation also said that they regret what has happened and promised support for the victims’ families.
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Espanyol fans earlier invaded the pitch after Barcelona celebrated La Liga title win
Espanyol fans raided the pitch right after the final whistle as FC Barcelona won 4-2 on June 15, 2023. Barcelona players were celebrating their league title win in the center of the pitch at the RCDE Stadium when they saw a group of Espanyol fans running towards them.
As per reports, security staff on the ground tried to hold the fences bordering the Grada Canito. But the fans broke onto the pitch, which saw the Barça players react quickly as they run to their dressing room.
The situation dragged on for a few minutes, to the point that the Mossos had to use the RCDE Stadium public address system. They announced, “This is the police speaking: leave the stadium or force will be used”.
The tension reportedly continued. Dozens of invaders remained on the pitch, with proclamations towards their own club such as “board of directors, resign”. There was then another round of warnings by the police over the loudspeaker. After that, the intruders finally returned to their seats to leave the stadium.
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