TIMITALKS: Stampede Erupts In El Salvador League Match. 12 Dead, 500 Injured

At least 12 football fans have reportedly died and around 500 more injured after a stampede of supporters unfolded at a match in El Salvador.

The Monumental stadium in Cuscatlan, about 25 miles northeast of capital San Salvador, was hosting a quarter-final clash between domestic clubs Alianza and FAS. However, the venue's capacity of 44,836 is understood to have been exceeded after hopeful spectators forced their way through an access gate.

The resulting flood of fans saw play suspended just 16 minutes into the match as chaos unfolded on-field. Horrific images from the match showed bodies strewn in tunnels and gangways as medics saw to those injured in the crush.

"It was an avalanche of fans who overran the gate," commented Pedro Hernandez, president of El Salvadoran football's first division. "Some were still under the metal in the tunnel. Others managed to make it to the stands and then to the field and were smothered."

Footage of the incident in Cuscatlan showed the moment fans recognise the seriousness of the crush as it unfolded. Some supporters could be seen fighting to free others from beyond the metal barriers inside a tunnel.

Mauricio Arriaza, director of the National Civil Police, said nine fans died at the hospital, with three more deaths confirmed from different hospitals. "Salvadoran soccer is in mourning," he added.

Reports suggested officials were concerned about fake tickets to the match being sold, with an investigation into the matter already believed to be underway.

Others pictures showed emergency services rushing outside the stadium, scything through a sea of disorientated spectators in states of shock.

The Salvadoran Soccer Federation voiced sympathy for the families of those affected by the tragedy. Local police has said a criminal investigation will take place.

Carlos Fuentes, spokesman for the Rescue Commandos confirmed 'seven men and two women' were among the nine initially believed dead, though that number has since grown.

The President's brother, Yamil, leads El Salvador's national institute of sports and was reported saying a meeting had been called for Sunday to review the tragedy.

SOURCE

[quote]The El Salvador National Civil Police and the General Prosecutor of the Republic or El Salvador will carry out an exhaustive investigation of the events that occurred at the Cuscatlán Stadium.

Everyone will be investigated: teams, managers, stadium, ticket office, league, federation, etc.

Whoever the culprits are, they will not go unpunished.