At least 12 people have died in a stampede in El Salvador. It happened at the Estadio Cuscatlan soccer stadium in the capital, San Salvador. According to initial reports, there was a large crowd of fans ahead of the first division game between FC Alianza and CD FAS, and the arena can seat more than 45,000 people. In order to facilitate the work of the rescue workers, the game was canceled.
Nine people died at the stadium and three others succumbed to their injuries in nearby hospitals, said Mauricio Arriaza, director of police. Carlos Fuentes, spokesman for the emergency services, reported at least 500 people injured, 100 of them are in critical condition. In a video released by the national police agency PNC, several ambulances can be seen in front of the stadium, from which paramedics rush to the scene of the accident.
In a first reaction, the Salvadoran Football Association expressed its “deep regret for the events at Cuscatlan Stadium”. Alianza and record champions FAS are two of the most popular teams in the Central American country.