Johannesburg - Stadium Management SA CEO Jacques Grobbelaar has confirmed that two people died in a stampede at the FNB Stadium on Saturday while the Carling Black Label Champion Cup clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates was taking place.
“We are all saddened by the fatalities which occurred this afternoon,” Grobbelaar said in press conference after the match.
“The stampede was due to a number of people who attempted to push through the gates (during the course of the match).
“At the moment, we can confirm that two fatalities occurred due to blunt force trauma, with one person critically injured, while a total of 19 people got minor injuries. Only one child was counted among those with minor injuries.”
Grobbelaar added that it was quite unfortunate that a stampede occurred while the match was being played, and that they’ll continue to keep members of the public informed should further reports occur regarding this matter.
“This was quite an unfortunate incident as proper planning went throughout organising this event, like we always do,” Grobbelaar said.
“We planned this even with the South African Police Service alongside other stakeholders to make sure that it was a risk-free event.
“Since the inception of the Carling Black Label Cup back in 2011, we’ve had record attendances at the venue which were also risk-free as well.
“We as Stadium Management SA, alongside Carling Black Label Cup, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the families of those who were affected by the incident.
“We will endeavour to keep the public informed as we receive reports regarding this matter.”
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates expressed their condolences to the deceased on social media.
“Our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the 2 supporters who lost their lives at the stadium today,” Chiefs tweeted.
“We are deeply affected by this incident and we would also like to wish all those injured in the stampede a speedy recovery. The Police and Stadium Management South Africa are working together to investigate the incident.”
@Mohau_Ra