At least 125 people were killed after a stampede erupted at an Indonesian soccer game Saturday, in what is being considered one of the deadliest events in the history of sports.

The scene took place asArema FCand rivalPersebaya Surabayafaced off in Malang in East Java, when Arema FC lost 3-2. While attempting to have upset fans leave the field after they invaded the pitch, officers fired tear gas, East Java Police chief Inspector General Nico Afinta said at a news conference, per theNew York Times. Another 320 people were reported to be injured.

“We have already done a preventive action before finally firing the tear gas as [fans] began to attack the police, acting anarchically and burning vehicles,” he told a news conference Sunday, per theAssociated Press.

Videos from the event shared on social media show fans running on the field, and smoke filling the air, likely as a result of the tear gas. Fans could be seen, especially in photos taken at the event, being carried out of the venue, as police vehicles also appeared to be toppled over. Spectators told the AP that people were trampled and suffocated as fans ran to exits to avoid the police tear gas.

While the death toll from Saturday night has fluctuated from 174 to 125,East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardakshared that the larger number may have included people who were counted more than once.

STR/AFP via Getty

This picture taken on October 1, 2022 shows security personnel (lower) on the pitch at Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java. - At least 127 people died at a football stadium in Indonesia late on October 1 when fans invaded the pitch and police responded with tear gas, triggering a stampede, officials said. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)

“I have specially requested the police chief to investigate and get to the bottom of this case,” Jokowi said. “Sportsmanship, humanity and brotherhood should be upheld in Indonesia.”

“I regret that this tragedy occurred. And I hope this is the last football tragedy in the country.”

“I felt hot and stinging in my eyes, I couldn’t see clearly while my head was dizzy and everything went dark,” he said. “I passed out.”

Yudha Prabowo/AP/Shutterstock

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Yudha Prabowo/AP/Shutterstock (13434582b) Soccer fans enter the pitch during a clash between supporters at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, . Clashes between supporters of two Indonesian soccer teams in East Java province killed over 100 fans and a number of police officers, mostly trampled to death, police said Sunday Soccer Incident, Malang, Indonesia - 01 Oct 2022

Another attendee, Ahmad Fatoni, claimed that authorities beat fans with sticks and shields at the stadium, which prompted fans to retaliate. “Officers fired tear gas directly at spectators in the stands, forcing us to run toward the exit,” he said. “Many victims fell because of shortness of breath and difficulty seeing due to tear gas and were trampled.”

“This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident,” he shared. “Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.”

source: people.com