Football rally in Peru leaves one dead and dozens injured

Football Rally in Peru Leaves One Fan Dead, Dozens Injured

During a pre-match gathering at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the death of a fan and over 40 others being hospitalized. The Peruvian Health Minister, Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero, confirmed the fatality at a Lima hospital, stating that 47 individuals were affected, with three in critical condition.

Hours before the highly anticipated clash between Alianza Lima and their local rivals, Universitario de Deportes, hundreds of supporters gathered wearing team colors and displaying flags. The event, which was part of a traditional football rally, drew large crowds to the southern stands. However, concerns arose when initial reports suggested parts of the stadium’s infrastructure had collapsed, an issue later contested by officials.

“There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit,” stated Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo, who assured that the southern stands remained structurally sound. His remarks came amid confusion over the cause of the incident, which has prompted an ongoing investigation by authorities.

The Peruvian Professional Football League reiterated its dedication to ensuring safety at sporting events, stating that the cause of the rally’s chaos is under scrutiny. Despite the disruption, the league confirmed the match will proceed as planned. Earlier, the interior ministry shared on X that 40 firefighters were deployed to rescue individuals trapped within the stadium’s structure. However, Alianza Lima swiftly clarified that the incident was unrelated to structural failures, emphasizing the event’s safety measures were intact.