May 22, (THEWILL) – In the wake of a devastating stampede that resulted in the deaths of 12 people and left hundreds injured, authorities in El Salvador have launched a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.
The stampede occurred at the 35,000-seat Cuscatlan Stadium in the country’s capital, San Salvador, during a highly anticipated football match between local teams, Alianza and FAS. The Nation’s President, Nayib Bukele, has vowed to hold those responsible accountable for the horrifying turn of events.
According to initial reports, the chaos unfolded when a stadium gate gave way, causing fans to be crushed together in a desperate attempt to enter the venue. Emergency services swiftly responded, with hundreds of police officers and soldiers joining forces to evacuate people from the stadium.
Carlos Fuentes, Spokesman for the emergency services group, Comandos de Salvamento, revealed that more than 500 individuals were being treated for various injuries, while civil protection authorities reported a total of 88 people hospitalised.
Survivors of the stampede recounted harrowing experiences, describing the scene as traumatic and chaotic. Fredy Alexander Ruiz, a 28-year-old survivor, and Sandra Guzman, expressed their deep distress, explaining the panic that ensued as people toppled onto them and how much it left them shaken and fearing for their lives.
As El Salvador mourns the loss of lives, fans of Alianza set up a poignant memorial outside the stadium, paying their respects to the victims.
President Bukele assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, vowing that those found responsible for the tragedy would face the consequences.
“Everyone will be investigated: teams, managers, stadium, box office, league, federation,” Bukele stated, emphasising that the culprits would not evade justice.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
