El Salvador, stadium tragedy: at least 12 dead

The cause of the tragedy is being investigated

What was supposed to be a celebration of a soccer match turned into immense tragedy within minutes. It is at least 12 dead and more than 500 injured in a crush of fans, according to El Salvadoran authorities, the toll of what happened at Custaclan Stadium in San Salvador, capital of the Central American country. The National Civil Police, as confirmed through their official channels, immediately intervened by deploying men and vehicles, and began investigations to understand the origin of the crush that resulted in deaths and injuries.

The scheduled match, between Alianza and FAS, was suspended and then postponed. FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a message of condolence late Sunday morning: “I express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives after the tragic incidents that took place in El Salvador. Thoughts and prayers of FIFA and the global soccer community go out to the victims, the entire country, Concacaf, the Salvadoran Football Federation and the Primera Division de Futbol de El Salvador at this difficult time.”