Tragedy struck Muhammad Alfiansyah, 11 years old, as his parents passed away as they tried to escape the stampede that occurs during a football match between Arema FC versus Prersabaya Suraya at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia.
According to Sinar Harian, Alfiansyah’s parents; Devi Ratna Sari,30, and her husband, Muhammad Yulianto, 40, were killed after falling down the stadium’s stairs and getting stepped by other spectators as they try to escape from the riot.
The incident started when 2 angry spectators, whose’s disappointed over the results of the match, enter the field, enticing others to join and barge into the field as well.
The stampede got even worse when the authorities tried to curb the crowds with tear gas, especially crowds in spectator seats which ends up killing 2 police officers.
Sinar Harian also stated, due to the panic and desperation, the spectator's escape attempt got unruly that killed others, including Alfiansyah’s parents.
According to Alfiansyah’s uncle, Dodi,43, this incident has traumatized his family as he only manages to save his nephew with the help of police during the escape.
“It shook me up when I found out that my younger brother and his wife were trapped inside, as I found Alfiansyah at the exit gate. I did not expect that this riot would kill my family.:, says Dodi.
Dodi also stated that it was the first time Devi to watch the game in a stadium and they planned to celebrate their son’s birthday on the next month.
Both Devi and Yulianto rest in a grave at Mergan Public Cemetery, Kota Malang Indonesia.
Sinar Harian reported the stampede has killed 182, including 17 children with tear gas thrown by the police officers at spectator's seats in an attempt to curb the stampede, being the main cause as the gas could cause an inflammatory reaction to the human respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties.
Euronews also reported that the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), make the decision to suspend the premier football league Liga 1 indefinitely in light of the tragedy and banned Arema from hosting football matches for the remainder of the season.
Sources: Sinar Plus, Sinar Plus 2, Euro News
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