Chaos and Tragedy: Two Fans Die Before Colo Colo vs. Fortaleza Clash in Copa Libertadores

Before the highly anticipated Copa Libertadores match between Colo Colo and Brazil’s Fortaleza, tragedy struck outside Santiago’s Estadio Monumental. A local prosecutor confirmed that two fans lost their lives on Thursday as tensions flared among the crowds trying to enter the venue.

Authorities reported that a group of fans attempted to breach the stadium by forcing their way through the protective fencing. Amid the chaos, the fence collapsed, trapping several individuals beneath it. Sadly, two fans were fatally injured during the incident.

Francisco Morales, the Eastern Flagrancy Prosecutor, explained that the crowd tried to gain unauthorized entry through Casa Alba, a building located next to the stadium. Police officers intervened to prevent them from entering, but a stampede broke out, leading to the deadly collapse of the fence. Investigators are also exploring the possibility that a police vehicle might have been involved in the fatal accident.

According to officials, one fan died instantly at the scene, while the other succumbed to their injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby clinic. The tragic events cast a dark shadow over the evening’s scheduled match, although the game initially went ahead as planned.

However, tensions boiled over during the match itself. In the 70th minute, with the score still tied at 0-0, a group of Colo Colo supporters began throwing objects onto the field in protest. It remains unclear whether these protests were directly linked to the earlier deaths outside the stadium.

Fortaleza players quickly fled to the locker rooms for safety, while Colo Colo players, led by captain Esteban Pavez and veteran star Arturo Vidal, attempted to calm their supporters. Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera later informed the teams that the match had been officially suspended, sending all players off the field.

In response to the tragedy, CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of the two fans. "We deeply regret the death of two fans near the Estadio Monumental before the start of the match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza," the statement read. "We extend our sincere condolences to their families and loved ones."