One person has died and three are in a critical condition following an incident at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, which left at least 60 people injured
One individual has tragically lost their life and three others are in a critical state following an incident at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium on Saturday, which resulted in at least 60 people being injured.
Hundreds of football supporters were present at the Lima-based stadium, located in the La Victoria District, for a flag-waving event ahead of Alianza Lima’s derby match against Universitario.
Peru’s health minister, Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero, confirmed the fatality, stating that three individuals remain in a critical condition, while Resist Wire suggests that at least 60 people have been injured.
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Alianza Lima also expressed its condolences in the wake of the incident. The club released a statement saying: “We are fully and transparently collaborating with the competent authorities,” and pledged “total transparency” throughout the ongoing investigation.
While initial reports indicated that part of the stadium’s wall had collapsed, the club later clarified that the incident was not connected to this.
The club elaborated: “According to the preliminary information available, the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or structural facilities of the sports complex,” reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, according to the Sun, fire chief Marcos Pajuelo also confirmed that the incident was not due to a wall collapsing.
He clarified: “Based on what has been assessed, no structure has been affected. There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit.”
Elsewhere, the Peruvian Professional Football League has stated that it will “continue to work closely with the clubs and authorities” in an effort to “promote safe environments both inside and outside the stadiums.”
In a statement issued on X, Peru’s Ministry of Health said: “The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reports that, following the report of a structural collapse at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, in the La Victoria district, eight units were mobilised through the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) to provide prehospital care to those affected, in coordination with the General Volunteer Fire Department of Peru.
“According to the preliminary report, 60 people have been recorded as injured, who are currently being evaluated and treated.
“Three of them have been transferred to the National Hospital Arzobispo Loayza. Additionally, an alert has been issued at the National Hospital Dos de Mayo and other hospitals in anticipation of the possible arrival of more injured individuals.
“The Health Emergency Operations Center (COES Salud) continues with permanent monitoring of the event and coordination of the health response.”
The match between the two teams will now be held at Universitario’s Estadio Monumental “U” in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time) instead.