One person has died and three are in critical condition following an incident at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium on Saturday, which resulted in at least 60 people being injured. Hundreds of football fans were present at the stadium, located in Lima’s La Victoria District, for a flag-waving event prior to Alianza Lima’s derby with Universitario.

Confirming the fatality, Peru’s health minister Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero added that that three remain in critical condition, while Resist Wire suggests that at least 60 have been injured. Alianza Lima also shared its condolences in the wake of the incident. A statement from the club read: “We are fully and transparently collaborating with the competent authorities,” and pledged “total transparency” during an ongoing investigation.

While initial reports indicated that part of the stadium’s wall had collapsed, the club later clarified that the incident was not related to this. The club explained: “According to the preliminary information available, the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or structural facilities of the sports complex.”

As reported by the Sun, fire chief Marcos Pajuelo also confirmed that the incident was not due to a broken wall. He clarified: “Based on what has been assessed, no structure has been affected. There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit.”

Elsewhere, the Peruvian Professional Football League said it will “continue to work closely with the clubs and authorities” in an effort to “promote safe environments both inside and outside the stadiums.”

In a statement on X, the Ministry of Health for Peru announced: “The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reports that, following the report of a structural collapse at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, in the La Victoria district, eight units were mobilised through the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) to provide prehospital care to those affected, in coordination with the General Volunteer Fire Department of Peru.

“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.

“Additionally, an alert has been issued at the National Hospital Dos de Mayo and other hospitals in anticipation of the possible arrival of more injured individuals. The Health Emergency Operations Center (COES Salud) continues with permanent monitoring of the event and coordination of the health response.”

The match between the two teams will now be held at Universitario’s Estadio Monumental “U” in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time) instead.