One dead and at least 60 injured after ‘structural collapse’ at Peruvian football stadium

Dan McDonald
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:36:17 +0000

One person has died and at least 60 others have been injured after a structural collapse at a football stadium in Peru.

Hospitals across the capital city of Lima have been placed on high alert in response to the incident.

The collapse occurred at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium - known as Matute - in the La Victoria district of the city, home to Club Alianza Lima.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with eight medical units deployed to treat the injured.

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In a statement posted to social media, Peru’s Ministry of Health said: “According to the preliminary report, 60 people have been recorded as injured, who are currently being evaluated and treated.

"Three of them have been transferred to the National Hospital Arzobispo Loayza.”

It added that further hospitals, including the National Hospital Dos de Mayo, had been placed on alert amid fears more casualties could arrive.

“The Health Emergency Operations Center continues with permanent monitoring of the event and coordination of the health response,” the ministry said.

The collapse is believed to have occurred as Alianza Lima supporters gathered ahead of a match against rivals Universitario.

In a statement, the 25-time Peruvian champions said they "deeply regret what has happened and express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased".

The club also expressed its "our solidarity with those who were injured".

The statement read: "From the very first moment, safety and emergency response protocols were immediately activated, providing timely assistance to those affected and their families.

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"We are cooperating fully and transparently with the relevant authorities in order to help clarify the facts as part of the ongoing investigation.

"It should be noted that, according to the preliminary information available, the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or to any structural failure of the stadium.

"We reaffirm our commitment to keeping the public informed as events develop."

The incident is not the first fatal disaster involving football fans in Lima.

The Estadio Nacional tragedy - widely regarded as the worst stadium disaster in history - left more than 300 supporters dead.

The disaster unfolded during a match against Argentina in 1964, after Peruvian fans invaded the pitch following a controversial refereeing decision.

Police responded by firing tear gas into the stands, triggering panic among supporters attempting to flee.

A deadly crush ensued, killing 328 people and injuring more than 500.

Riots later erupted across Lima, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in a bid to restore order.