One fan was killed and at least 47 injured in a chaotic incident outside the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, as hundreds of supporters gathered in the pre-match “banderazo” ahead of an intense soccer derby. The tragedy occurred on Friday as Alianza Lima fans, many wearing the club’s blue and white shirts and waving flags, had gathered near the venue for Saturday’s match against arch-rivals Universitario Deportes.
The rally turned chaotic, leaving one person dead and dozens injured. Peru’s Health Minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero confirmed the death to the media at a hospital in Lima. He added that three of the 47 injured remained in critical condition.
Initial reports indicated a possible partial collapse of the stadium’s walls and structures. However, Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo firmly rejected these claims, saying after inspecting the scene that the south stand appeared to be in good condition.
“No part of the wall collapsed or fell into a hole,” he told reporters.
The Interior Ministry earlier announced on X that there were “people trapped inside the building” at the stadium and that 40 firefighters responded to the emergency. Alianza Lima was quick to push back against speculation of structural defects.
In an official statement published in X, the club expressed its deep regret over the incident. “We deeply regret what happened,” Alianza Lima said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and express our solidarity with those who were injured.”
The club added that “from the first moment” security and emergency protocols were activated and immediate assistance was provided to those affected and their families. The club confirmed it was “cooperating fully and transparently with the competent authorities” to establish the facts.
Alianza Lima also stressed that, according to preliminary information, “this incident is not related to the collapse of the wall or to any structural defects in the sports complex.” The statement concluded by reaffirming the club’s commitment to keeping the public informed of all developments.
The Peruvian Professional Football League has announced that Saturday night’s derby match will be held as originally scheduled. In its own statement, the league noted that authorities were actively investigating the circumstances of the gathering and reiterated its “commitment to the safety and health of all participants at sporting events.”
This is a developing story and more details are expected as the official investigation progresses.
