Santiago, Chile (Chile), Apr 11 (LaPresse) – Two fans died near the Estadio Monumental in Santiago, Chile, before the start of the Copa Libertadores match between the host team, Colo Colo, and Brazil's Fortaleza.
This was reported by the prosecutor, Francisco Morales, who explained that a group of fans tried to enter the Estadio Monumental through the adjacent Casa Alba building. The police attempted to block their access, but one of the protective fences fell, trapping the victims underneath.
"A stampede followed, which caused the fence to collapse," Morales added. "We are currently investigating whether a police vehicle was involved in the deaths," he further explained.
Authorities stated that one of the individuals died on the spot, while the other passed away in a nearby medical clinic.
The match was later suspended in the 70th minute (with the score tied 0-0) due to fan unrest, especially after a group of local supporters began a protest by throwing objects onto the field. It is unclear whether the protests were related to the deaths of the fans before the match.
Fortaleza players took refuge in the locker rooms, while Colo Colo players, led by captain Esteban Pavez and Arturo Vidal, attempted to calm the fans.