Additional Coverage:
LIMA, Peru – At least one person has died and around 60 others were injured in a crowd crush at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima on Friday night, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred among fans gathered in the south stands ahead of a highly anticipated match between Alianza Lima and their archrivals, Universitario.
Police reported that officers worked to rescue people trapped by the surge of supporters. Initial reports from the Ministry of Health mentioned a wall collapse inside the stadium; however, both the police and Alianza Lima club later denied that any structural failure had taken place.
Fire Brigadier Marcos Pajuelo confirmed the fatality and said many injured individuals were transported to local hospitals. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Footage broadcast on local TV showed large crowds in the south stands, with fireworks lighting up the scene. Other videos captured injured fans receiving assistance inside the stadium.
The Ministry of Health has so far recorded 60 injuries linked to the event. Authorities continue to assess the situation as the soccer community mourns the tragedy.