FIFA chief deplores ‘tragic’ El Salvador statium stampede

Supporters are helped by others following a stampede during a football match between Alianza and FAS at Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador, on May 20, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Twelve people were killed Saturday in a stampede at an El Salvador stadium where soccer fans had gathered to watch a local tournament, police said.

Authorities said initial reports pointed to a crush of fans who tried to enter Cuscatlan Stadium in the Central American country’s capital San Salvador to watch a match between teams Alianza and FAS.

The match was suspended as emergency personnel evacuated people from the stadium, where hundreds of police officers and soldiers gathered as ambulance sirens wailed.

“Preliminarily, we have a negative result of 12 victims, nine who are here in the stadium and three more that we have been informed are in different hospital centers,” National Civil Police (PNC) director Mauricio Arriaza told reporters.

“Salvadoran soccer is in mourning,” Arriaza said.

Health Minister Francisco Alabi said the country’s hospital network was “providing medical care to all patients.”

Interior Minister Juan Carlos Bidegain said the civil protection service’s first responders were on the scene.

Carlos Fuentes, spokesman for the emergency services group Comandos de Salvamento, said they were treating more than 500 people.

About 100 people in serious condition were taken to hospital, with some showing signs of asphyxia and other types of trauma, Fuentes said.

The stampede apparently started after a stadium gate fell, causing people to crowd together, he said.

At least two of the injured were in critical condition, according to police.

FIFA chief deplores ‘tragic’ stampede

FIFA’s chief offered his condolences on May 21 after the ‘tragic’ stampede in El Salvador.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives after the tragic incidents that have taken place in El Salvador,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected, as well as with the people of the Republic of El Salvador, the Concacaf Confederation, the Salvadoran Football Association, and the Primera Division de Futbol de El Salvador, at this difficult time,” Mr. Infantino said.