A stampede that erupted among World Cup fans gathered in Jordan’s capital city early Tuesday morning claimed one life and sent eight others to the hospital, according to the country’s state news agency.
Thousands of supporters had packed into Hashemite Plaza in central Amman to watch their national team take on Algeria, with the match broadcast on large screens set up for the occasion. As the crowd swelled, a dangerous crush developed, resulting in nine people being taken to the hospital, the Jordan News Agency reported, citing the Public Security Directorate.
One of those nine injured fans later succumbed to their injuries, according to the report.
The loss was especially painful for Jordan supporters, as this year marked the first time the country’s national team had ever qualified for the World Cup. Adding to the heartbreak, the team was eliminated from the tournament Tuesday after falling to Algeria by a score of 2-1.
