The National Civil Police (PNC) reported on Twitter that a crush at a football stadium in El Salvador’s capital on Saturday resulted in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The PNC reported that “the first information points to a stampede of fans who tried to enter to watch the match between Alianza and FAS” at the Cuscatlán Stadium.
Francisco Alabi, the minister of health for El Salvador, announced on Twitter that emergency crews had been called in and that the injured were being taken to nearby hospitals.
Around 90 people, including minors, are being treated for injuries – most are in “stable” condition, he added.
President Nayib Bukele said an “exhaustive investigation” into the incident would be carried out by the national police and the attorney general’s office.
“Everyone will be investigated: teams, managers, stadium, ticket office, league, federation, etc. Whoever the culprits are, they will not go unpunished,” Bukele tweeted.
Video provided by the National Civil Police of El Salvador showed multiple ambulances parked outside the stadium and medics rushing to the scene.
Photos taken from inside the stadium also showed crowds of people, many wearing jersey colors of white and blue.
Alianza and FAS are two of the most popular soccer teams in the Central American country.
This is a developing news story. More to follow