At a soccer stadium in El Salvador, Central America, at least 12 people died after soccer fans temporarily surged forward, causing people to fall and be crushed, local media such as El Diario de Hoy and Noticias de El Salvador, as well as AFP news agency, reported on the 21st (local time).
The tragedy occurred at the Cuscatl?n Stadium in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, where the second leg of the league quarterfinal between professional soccer teams Alianza and FAS was held the previous evening. This stadium is Alianza's home ground. In the first leg on the 17th, FAS won 1-0.
On the 20th (local time), a soccer fan outside Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is immersed in sorrow while looking at the scene of a crush. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
As the stadium, which has a capacity of 53,400, became crowded with spectators, the entry procedures slowed down, and some groups suddenly gathered near a closed door.
During this process, people fell and the door was broken, turning the area into chaos in an instant. El Diario de Hoy also reported that violent incidents occurred.
El Salvador rescue authorities stated that at least 12 people who were crushed by the crowd died. About 100 people, including women and children, were injured or suffered breathing difficulties and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Videos shared on social media showed El Salvador police using tear gas to calm the excitement of the fans. However, local media reported that the police denied using tear gas.
The match was suspended due to the accident. Players and team coaching staff helped injured people showing signs of suffocation or comforted grieving fans.
On the night of the 20th (local time), a crush accident occurred at Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, where rescue workers and fans are helping the injured. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]
Noticias de El Salvador conveyed eyewitness testimony that "the problem occurred because stadium officials closed the door and tried not to let anyone in." There are also indications that there was an issue with the ticket booth QR reader.
President Nayib Bukele wrote on Twitter, "A thorough investigation must be conducted on everyone involved in the incident at the stadium, including the soccer teams and coaches, ticket booths and stadium officials, and league officials," adding, "No one responsible will be able to escape punishment."
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