In one of the world’s worst stadium catastrophes at least 174 people were trampled to death in a stampede at a football match in Indonesia, with nearly 200 others are severely injured.
The stampede was reportedly caused after thousands of Arema FC fans stormed the pitch at Kanjuruhan Stadium after their team lost 3-2 to Persebaya Surabaya. As a result tear gas was fired by officers in an attempt to control the “riots.”
The act of the police had the converse effect and instead precipitated a stampede as fans panicked and rushed to find an escape from the gas. In the process some people were crushed, others suffocated and others lost consciousness and were trampled.
Authorities said that the government had recommended only 38,000 tickets be printed, however the stadium was over crowded hosting a crowd of 42,000. Three thousand of which stormed the stadium at the end of the game.
