9 dead, 20 injured in stampede at Guatemala concert

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - At least nine people died and 20 were injured Thursday in a stampede at an independence day concert in the department of Quetzaltenango, in western Guatemala, according to the country's Red Cross.

The accident occurred in an open-air esplanade during "Xelafer," an event held 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City to celebrate the 201st anniversary of independence on Sept.15.

​​“The Guatemalan Red Cross and volunteer firefighters stabilized more than 20 injured people and nine people died at the scene,” the Guatemalan branch of the relief agency wrote on Twitter.

Media reports said victims were crushed as thousands tried to leave the venue at the end of the concert. A video circulating on social media shows people asking for help while being pushed by hundreds of concertgoers.

The injured were taken to a local hospital, firefighters said on Twitter. Relatives have arrived to identify the bodies of the deceased, which included two minors.

Attendees have told reporters that organizers had failed to make arrangements to accommodate the crowd. The venue apparently had just two small entrances and exits and there were more people than it could hold.

But authorities said organizers complied with all licenses and protocols needed for the concert.

The nation’s president has not yet commented on the tragedy and events still scheduled for Thursday.