SAN SALVADOR – A soccer match between two major clubs, Alianza and FAS, in the Salvadoran league turned into a catastrophe when a stampede broke out on Sunday. At least 12 people were killed, while more than 100 were injured and transported to hospitals across the city.
The stampede began when fans attempted to push through a gate into the stadium and continued even after officials suspended play about 16 minutes into the match. Fans who escaped the crush were seen standing on the field waving shirts and attempting to revive people lying on the grass.
A criminal investigation in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office has been launched, while the Salvadoran Soccer Federation voiced support for the victims’ families. Salvadoran Health Minister Francisco Alabi has said that around 90 injured people, including minors, are being treated in hospital and that most of them are in a stable condition.
The televised images that followed were harrowing, showing fans being crushed, trapped, and left lying on the ground. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced that an exhaustive investigation would be carried out, encompassing all aspects of the incident and seeking to punish those responsible.
Sunday’s tragic incident at the Cuscatlán Stadium in the nation’s capital, San Salvador, raises questions about stadium safety at a time when many countries are preparing to host large sporting events.
This deadly stampede has reignited concerns over soccer matches being held in unsuitable venues, where infrastructure is not in line with the demand. Investigations into the stadium’s safety measures also need to be conducted, including the possibility of overcrowding, the inadequate number of entry and exit points, and weaknesses in security measures.
It’s not the first time that tragedies have struck soccer matches worldwide; the last major incident was the Hillsborough disaster in Sheffield, England, in April 1989, when 96 fans died due to overcrowding and police errors.
Apart from the public attention and scrutiny that follows high-profile incidents such as these, improvements in stadium infrastructure and safety measures need to be taken more seriously. It’s essential that security measures are up to the standards required to safeguard the lives of fans attending any event.
It is worth remembering at this time that soccer fans are a passionate and loyal group of followers who are simply looking to enjoy a day out with their friends and families. Furthermore, given the setbacks related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Salvadoran soccer clubs should have been more cautious and responsible when planning events.
It is hoped that Sunday’s tragedy will serve as a warning and prompt the Salvadoran authorities to evaluate and implement necessary safety improvements at stadiums across the country, ensuring that soccer matches are held under safe conditions, without sacrificing the passion and fervor of the game.
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