Savior He endured a devastating sporting tragedy on a Saturday night when 12 people lost their lives. The casualty toll followed a stampede at Cuscatlán Stadium in San Salvador, with nearly 100 others injured.
The government press secretary confirmed the death count. The events occurred as fans crowded into one of the stadium’s popular sections to watch a match between Alianza and Futbolistas Asociados Santanecos FAS.
After learning about the latest status of those affected, President Nayib Bukele asserted on social media that a thorough investigation would be carried out. This pledge was echoed by officials who emphasized accountability and transparency.
Police and the Prosecutor’s Office announced they would lead a comprehensive investigation into the stadium incident. They stressed that everyone involved would be examined, including teams, managers, the facility, ticket offices, the league, and the federation. At the same time, authorities affirmed that no one would escape scrutiny regardless of status or position, and that those found culpable would face consequences. The sentiment was reinforced by statements from the presidency and live updates from authorities. [Source: Official statements and government briefings]
More than 500 signs of attention and solidarity
Carlos Fuentes, spokesman for the Salvage Commandos, reported that about 100 individuals were transported to various hospitals, while the overall number receiving care at the time approached five hundred. The scale of the response underscored the swift mobilization of emergency services and medical teams. [Source: Emergency response agencies and hospital reports]
The Salvadoran Football Federation Fesfut issued a statement expressing sorrow over the fatalities and pledged to promptly request a full report and share the findings as soon as possible. [Source: Fesfut press release]
Yamil Bukele, president of the National Institute of Sports INDES and brother of the president, expressed condolences to all families who lost loved ones in this tragic event. He called for a united and respectful approach as the investigation unfolds. [Source: INDES remarks]
The INDES Executive Board, the league sponsor, was convened for an extraordinary meeting to address the crisis and review next steps. [Source: INDES leadership updates]
Salvadoran league teams offered condolences through their social media channels. Messages emphasized solidarity for the Alianza and FAS communities and a shared hope that such tragedies would not recur. The FAS organization announced the temporary suspension of the visiting team’s participation and the stoppage of the match as a sign of mourning. [Source: team statements]
Luis Ángel Firpo joined in with a message of football mourning, expressing sympathy for the families affected by the incident. Kartal, speaking on behalf of the club, conveyed condolences to the Alianza family and to all those affected by the tragedy. [Source: club statements]
Fesfut later announced the suspension of two matches scheduled for Sunday and confirmed an emergency meeting with the Sports Venue Safety Commission. The focus remained on reviewing safety protocols as the second leg of the quarterfinals approached. [Source: Fesfut update]