MALANG: When football fans rushed the field and police deployed tear gas to disperse them, a stampede ensued, killing at least 127 people, according to authorities. Following their team’s 3-2 loss to Persebaya Surabaya, Arema FC supporters invaded the field at the Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, Indonesia, late on Saturday. This was Arema FC’s first defeat to their fierce rival in more than 20 years.
After two officers were killed, the police, who described the unrest as “riots,” tried to get people to return to the stands and shot tear gas. According to officials, many of the victims were crushed to death.”127 individuals perished in the tragedy, including two police officers.
34 people perished inside the stadium, with the remaining passing away in hospitals “Nico Afinta, the head of the East Java police, made the remark on Sunday. When everyone rushed for one exit, Afinta claimed that numerous people were trampled and suffocated.
During the stampede, images taken from within the stadium showed copious volumes of tear gas and people scaling railings. Through the mayhem, people were transporting injured bystanders. On Sunday morning, the streets around the stadium were littered with burned-out vehicles, including a police van.
The Indonesian government expressed regret for the disaster and pledged to look into the stampede’s causes. Indonesia Sports and Youth Minister Zainudin Amali said to broadcaster Kompas, “We’re sorry for this occurrence… this is a terrible situation that ‘injures’ our sport at a time when supporters may watch football matches from the stadium.
