Toronto - An exciting Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid ended up in a mad fight for life as 1500 people were injured after blasts panicked the thousands-strong crowd Saturday night.
Toronto – An exciting Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid ended up in a mad fight for life as 1500 people were injured after blasts panicked the thousands-strong crowd Saturday night.
At least seven people were taken to hospital, three of which are reported in serious condition. Among the seriously hurt is a 7-year-old boy who suffered severe head and chest injuries after being trampled in the melee.
Thousands had thronged to the Piazza san Carlo to watch a live relay of the final game for the Champions League between Juventus and Real Madrid on a jumbo screen.
In the match’s closing ten minutes blasts that turned out to be firecrackers, started the stampede. Believing they were bomb blasts, people took off in all directions, dropping anything they were carrying in a mad rush for safety from the perceived threat.
Locals have expressed anger that authorities hadn’t provided better crowd control. As people rushed toward the exits, many became crushed against barriers. Many people were injured when a barrier near an entrance to an underground parking facility collapsed.
While most people sustained only minor cuts and bruises, the incident brought to light the serious level of tension permeating Europe following a series of terror attacks in Britain and France.
Real Madrid ended up winning the match with a score of 4-1 over Juventus. It is the 12th Champions League title in the club’s history.
