At least 60 people were injured on Tuesday when thousands of people stormed an already packed soccer stadium in northern Brazil to watch the national team train for a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela.
The incident occurred at Mangueirao stadium in the city of Belem, about 3 040km north of Sao Paulo in the state of Para.
Most of the 60 people injured were treated at the stadium’s medical facilities and released shortly afterward, according to a statement issued by the state government.
Five of those hurt in the crush suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and were taken to a private hospital, the statement said. The five ranged in age from eight to 18.
The state government denied earlier reports that a car had run over and killed a 10-year old girl in front of the stadium.
Two hours before the national team was scheduled to begin training, the 45 000-seat stadium was already packed with people, each of whom had donated two pounds of nonperishable food to be able to watch the team.
About 5 000 angry fans who were left out, stormed the stadium, broke down at least three gates and rushed in, the statement said.
It was unclear if anyone was arrested.
Wednesday night’s game against Venezuela is the final World Cup qualifier for Brazil, which has already clinched a berth in the 2006 Cup in Germany. Venezuela is out of contention. – AFP
