At least one person died and 60 others were injured Friday night at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, authorities reported. The incident occurred as a large crowd of Alianza Lima fans gathered for a “flag-waving event” ahead of their team’s scheduled game against Universitario.
Initial reports suggested a wall inside the stadium had collapsed, but both police and Alianza Lima denied any structural failures. Videos showed a large crowd and fireworks, as well as apparently injured people in the stands.
Fire officials confirmed at least one fatality and dozens of injuries, with those hurt being taken to hospitals in the capital. The cause of the incident remains unknown.
Alianza Lima confirmed the events occurred around the stadium as hundreds of fans attended the event a day before the derby match against Universitario de Deportes.