Football rally in Peru leaves one dead and dozens injured

Football Rally in Peru Leaves One Fan Dead, Dozens Injured

A violent clash during a pre-match gathering for a local football rivalry in Lima, Peru, resulted in the death of one spectator and multiple injuries. The event, held at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, was set to host a match between Alianza Lima and their main rivals, Universitario de Deportes. Officials are now probing the cause of the incident.

Confirming the Casualties

Peruvian Health Minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero confirmed the fatality at a Lima hospital, stating that 47 individuals were affected by the event. Among them, three remain in critical condition. The minister’s remarks came after initial reports suggested parts of the stadium’s wall had collapsed, though this claim was later challenged.

“There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit,” said Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo, addressing the situation. His comments contradicted earlier reports of structural damage, as he emphasized the southern stands were intact.

Despite the disruption, the football league has announced the match will proceed as scheduled. However, the interior ministry initially reported an emergency involving 40 firefighters responding to an incident where people were trapped within a structure.

Clarification from the Club

Alianza Lima, the home team, later issued a statement on X to clarify the situation. The club asserted that the incident was not caused by a collapse of the stadium’s walls or structural components. The Peruvian Professional Football League echoed this, stating authorities are examining the circumstances of the rally and reaffirming their dedication to ensuring safety at sporting events.