In one of the greatest stadium catastrophes in history, an altercation during an Indonesian football game resulted in at least 174 deaths, according to theathletic.com.
The terrible tragedy happened at the stadium when Arema FC fell 3-2 to rivals Persebaya Surabaya in East Java during a stampede.
After the final whistle, angry fans rushed onto the field, and amid the chaos, police reportedly used tear gas on several rioting fans.
Mohammad Mahfud, Indonesia’s national security minister, reported that 42,000 of the stadium’s 38,000 seats were sold.
Mohammad Mahfud also consoled families who lost their loved ones in the riot and assured victims of government support.
“To the victims family, our condolences. We also hope that the victims’ families will be patient and continue to coordinate with the government officials in the field.
“I need to emphasize that the tragedy of Kanjuruhan is not a clash between Persebaya supporters and Arema. Because Persebaya supporters can’t watch at that match. Supporters in the field are only from Arema.
“Therefore, the victims generally died from pushing, squeezing, trampling, and shortness of breath. There were no victims of beating or harassment between supporters.
“The government has made improvements to the implementation of football matches over time and will continue to improve.”