In brief
In a distressing incident ahead of a football derby in Lima, Peru, one individual lost their life and at least 47 others were injured. The local football match was to feature a rivalry between Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes. Initial reports suggested potential structural issues at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium but were later disputed by officials. Peruvian Health Minister confirmed the death and noted that some victims remain in critical condition. Investigations are ongoing, with the scheduled match still set to proceed.
An incident ahead of a local football derby in the Peruvian capital Lima has left one fan dead and dozens injured. Officials are investigating the cause. Initial reports suggested parts of the stadium's wall and structure had collapsed, which has since been disputed. Confirming the death, Peruvian Health Minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero told media at a Lima hospital that 47 people were hurt - three of whom are in a critical condition. Hundreds had gathered around Alejandro Villanueva Stadium wearing football shirts and waving flags of the home team, Alianza Lima, ahead of a match against local rivals Universitario de Deportes. Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo told reporters that the structure of the southern stands appeared to be in good condition. There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit, Pajuelo said. Saturday night's match will still go ahead as planned, the football league said. Earlier, the interior ministry published on X that 40 firefighters responded to an emergency at the stadium 'involving people trapped in a structure.' However, Alianza Lima later published a statement that said: 'According to the preliminary information available, the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or structural facilities of the sports complex.' The Peruvian Professional Football League's statement indicated that authorities are investigating the circumstances of the rally and highlighted its commitment to the safety and well-being of all attendees at sporting events.
