Football Rally in Peru Claims One Life, Injures Dozens

A crowd gathered at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, for a pre-match event involving Alianza Lima and their local rivals, Universitario de Deportes, when an incident occurred. The event, which featured fans wearing team colors and waving flags, resulted in the death of one individual and multiple injuries, according to authorities.

Peruvian Health Minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero confirmed the fatality, stating that 47 people were treated for injuries, three of whom are in critical condition. The ministry initially reported that parts of the stadium’s wall and structure had collapsed, but this has been contested. Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo noted that the southern stands were undamaged, declaring, “There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit.”

“There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit,” said Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo.

The Peruvian Professional Football League confirmed the match would proceed as planned on Saturday night. Earlier, the interior ministry shared on X that 40 firefighters responded to an emergency involving people trapped in a structure. However, Alianza Lima later clarified on X that the incident was unrelated to wall or structural failures at the stadium.

The league emphasized its commitment to the safety of attendees, stating that officials are currently investigating the circumstances of the rally.