a stampede in a stadium in the capital of El Salvador leaves twelve dead

An evening that turned into horror. Twelve people died on Saturday May 20 in El Salvador during a stampede by supporters. They were trying to enter the Cuscatlan stadium in the capital San Salvador, to watch a first division football match, police said. The director of the National Civil Police, Mauricio Arriaza, told the press that “nine dead here at the stadium and three others in different hospitals”. Several supporters were injured and taken to hospital, including two in a “critical state”, also said the police.

A stampede triggered by supporters

According to initial information, the stampede was triggered by fans who tried to enter the stadium to watch a league match between local team Alianza and CD FAS. The meeting was interrupted and hundreds of law enforcement officers, as well as the military, coordinated the evacuation of the spectators. Relief spokesman Carlos Fuentes said more than 500 people needed help inside the 35,000-seat compound in southwestern San Salvador.

The country’s president, Nayib Bukele, has announced that an investigation has been opened. “Everyone will be concerned: teams, directions, State, ticket office, league, federation, etc.”, he wrote on Twitter. In a press releasethe Salvadoran Football Federation said “deeply regret” the events that took place at the Cuscatlan stadium. “The FESFUT will immediately request a report on what happened and will communicate the relevant information as soon as possible”, added the institution.