Two killed dozens injured in pre-match stampede in S/Africa

Two people have been killed and dozens injured in a stampede at South Africa’s FNB Stadium during a football match between Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The managers of the stadium said that ‘a number of people’ attempted to push through gates, leading to two death from ‘blunt force trauma’.

One person is critically injured, while 16 have suffered minor injuries.

The broadcasters showing the game, citing stadium officials, also reported the stampede was at one of the gates of the stadium that hosted the 2010 World Cup final.

The game appeared to go on unperturbed, as the Kaizer Chiefs ran out 1-0 winners.

Live television coverage of the match also showed no obvious disturbance and police and emergency services officials could not immediately confirm the report.

There were reports of stampedes both inside and outside the stadium, which is also known as Soccer City.

Fans widely criticised the decision to allow the match to continue and photographs seen by MailOnline show a body in a bag outside the ground.

Stadium Manager South Africa, which runs the stadium, released a statement expressing ‘sincere condolence’ for the victims.

It went on: ‘We are saddened by the fatalities that occurred late this afternoon due to a number of people who attempted to push through the gates.

‘At the moment we can confirm that two fatalities caused by blunt force trauma, one critically injured and sixteen spectator [sic] with minor injuries.

‘This incident is extremely unfortunate as solid security plans were put in place … to ensure that this is a risk-free event.’

Police and staff are investigating the matter, it added.

Public safety official Michael Sun was reported as saying paramedics went to the stadium and the situation has been brought under control.

Mr Sun suggested the stampede was linked to disruption caused by people trying to sell or present fake tickets at a stadium gate.