17 killed in Indonesia Boxing Match Stampede


17 killed in Indonesia Boxing Match Stampede

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - At least 17 people were killed in a stampede when a riot broke out at a boxing match in eastern Indonesia, police said Monday.

The riot started just before midnight Sunday when supporters of the winning boxer taunted the loser's supporters, prompting opposing fans to throw chairs and start fights.

Spectators trying to flee trampled on each other, said Papua provincial police spokesman Gede Sumerta.

Police brought in 13 people for questioning. However, no charges were immediately filed.
Hendrik Andoi, head of the Nabire Amateur Boxing Association, said Sunday was the final night of a weeklong tournament for regional boxers, CNN reported.

The arena seats 1,000. But ticket sellers had oversold tickets. Some 1,500 spectators were packed inside, he said.

When the fight broke out, the crowd tried to run outside through the only door that was open – the main front entrance – leading to the stampede, he said.

 

 

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