At Least 129 People Killed After Massive Riot Breaks Out at Soccer Match

A massive riot that broke out at a soccer match in Indonesia on Saturday has resulted in the deaths of at least 129 people. Many of the victims died of “chaos, overcrowding, trampling and suffocation,” according to a local health official.

Chaos broke out after Persebaya Surabaya won the game against Arema 3-2. Thousands of Arema fans went onto the field at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang after their team lost.

In what looks to be one of the biggest stadium tragedies in history, more than 300 people had to be evacuated to local hospitals.

Many died either on the way to the hospital or while they were being treated.

According to the Chief of Police for East Java, Nico Afinta, roughly 180 people were injured, and many are still in a worsening condition.

Two of those killed were reportedly police officers. Over dozen vehicles were set on fire, and many of them were police cars.

The release of tear gas into the crowd by the police is believed to have been the spark that ignited the stampede.

The Indonesian football league has been put on hold for a week, and Arema has been banned from hosting games for the remainder of the season.

There may be more punishments to come.