The tragic incident occurred the evening of Friday, April 3
Credit: Connie FRANCE / AFP via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- One person died and dozens were injured during an incident at a popular soccer stadium where a large crowd was gathered on April 3
- The incident occurred as fans had congregated ahead of a big match
- Authorities said at least 47 people were injured, including several in critical condition, though the cause of the incident has not been confirmed
One person is dead and dozens are injured after an incident at a soccer stadium.
The incident occurred at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, on the evening of Friday, April 3, according to the BBC and ESPN.
Fans of the city’s local team, Alianza Lima, had gathered at the stadium to celebrate ahead of a match with the team’s biggest rival, Universitario de Deportes, which was scheduled for Saturday, April 4, per ESPN.
Credit: Connie FRANCE / AFP via Getty
While speaking to the press at a local hospital, Peruvian Health Minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero confirmed the death and also said that 47 people were injured, three of whom are in critical condition, per the BBC.
Some initial reports of the incident on social media stated that the tragedy was due to a structural collapse in the stadium. Other initial reports claimed that the incident was due to the massive crowds packed in a section of the arena. However, officials have not confirmed the official cause of the incident at this time.
The National Police of Peru did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Alianza Lima posted a tribute to the fan who died, publicly identifying him as Freddy Rony Cornetero Cueva in an X post on April 4.
“One of our own has left us, one of those who feel these colors in their soul. We accompany his family and loved ones with all our hearts,” they said in the translated tribute.
Lamentamos profundamente la partida de nuestro hincha, Freddy Rony Cornetero Cueva.
Se fue uno de los nuestros, de aquellos que sienten estos colores en el alma.
Acompañamos con todo el corazón a su familia y seres queridos. pic.twitter.com/JKfMx4HAAl
— Club Alianza Lima (@ClubALoficial) April 4, 2026
The club, which also owns the stadium, shared a statement about the tragedy later that same day, stating that they found it “necessary” to clarify some details about the incident.
Credit: Minsa Peru/X
“From the moment the incident occurred, different groups within our institution accompanied all those affected. The club’s president, board members and administrator visited the health centers where the injured are being treated to personally check on their condition and ensure they are receiving proper medical care, because our priority is the [blue and white] family,” the club said, referring to the team’s official colors, in the translated statement.
They added that the gathering “was not organized, authorized or promoted by the Club,” and that they “are actively cooperating with all authorities in the investigation process to clarify the facts with total transparency.”
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In an April 3 post on X, Peru’s Ministry of Health stated that the Health Minister had personally traveled to the hospitals where injured fans were being treated.
“We send a message of reassurance to the families of the injured,” the ministry wrote, adding that the government would cover the cost for all treatments. “There will be no charges whatsoever."
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