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At least 125 people killed in...

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At least 125 people killed in stampede in Indonesia

Jonathan Duane
Jonathan Duane

10:32 2 Oct 2022


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It's one of the world's worst stadium disasters

Image via Twitter

Authorities in Indonesia now say at least 174 people have been killed in one of the world's worst stadium disasters.

Tear gas is banned by FIFA - but was used when fans stampeded after losing a match.

Supporters of Arema FC stormed the pitch after their team lost 3-2 to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya.

The riot, which happened last night in the eastern city of Malang, also left 180 injured.

Police, who described the unrest as "riots", said they tried to force fans to return to the stands and fired tear gas after two officers were killed.

Many of the victims were trampled or choked to death, according to police.

The country's President has ordered all football matches to be postponed - pending an investigation.

East Java Chief of Police, Nico Afinta, says hundreds were taken to hospital.

"After police fired the tear gas, they all ran towards the same direction to exit gates 10 and 12 which caused a massive jam, during the jam shortness of breath occurred because they were running out of oxygen". 

Survivors described panicking spectators in a packed crowd as tear gas rained down on them.

"Officers fired tear gas, and automatically people were rushing to come out, pushing each other and it caused many victims," said one spectator.

"Nothing was happening, there was no riot. I don't know what the issue was, they suddenly fired tear gas. That's what shocked me, didn't they think about kids, women?"

 


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