One fan has died and at least 47 others have been injured in a chaotic accident outside Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, as hundreds of supporters gathered for a pre-match “banderazo” ahead of the city’s intense football derby. The tragedy occurred on Friday as Alianza Lima fans, many dressed in the club’s blue-and-white shirts and waving flags, assembled near the venue for Saturday’s clash against arch-rivals Universitario de Deportes.

The gathering turned disorderly, leading to one fatality and dozens of injuries. Peruvian Health Minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero confirmed the death while speaking to media at a Lima hospital. He added that three of the 47 injured remain in critical condition.

Initial reports pointed to a possible partial collapse of stadium walls or structures. Fire Chief Marcos Pajuelo, however, firmly rejected those claims after inspecting the site, stating that the southern stands appeared to be in good condition.

He told reporters: “There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit.”

The interior ministry had earlier announced on X that 40 firefighters responded to an emergency at the stadium “involving people trapped in a structure.” Alianza Lima quickly pushed back against speculation of structural failure.

In an official statement posted on X, the club expressed profound regret over the events. Alianza Lima said it “laments profoundly what occurred” and offered its “most heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased person, as well as our solidarity with those who were injured.”

The club added that security and emergency protocols were activated “from the first moment,” with immediate assistance provided to those affected and their families. It confirmed that the club is “collaborating fully and transparently with the competent authorities” to clarify the facts.

Alianza Lima also stressed that, according to preliminary information, “the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or structural failures of the sports complex.” The statement concluded by reaffirming the club’s commitment to keeping the public informed of any developments.

The Peruvian Professional Football League announced that Saturday night’s derby match will proceed as originally planned. In its own statement, the league noted that authorities are actively investigating the circumstances of the rally and reiterated its “commitment to the safety and well-being of all attendees at sporting events.”

This remains a developing story, with further details expected as the official investigation advances.