Citation
Wilson, H.C. (2001), "Editorial", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 10 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2001.07310caa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Editorial
As I write this editorial, news is just coming in of a tragic incident in Johannesburg where several dozen people are reported to have been crushed to death in a stampede at a soccer match. Later reports also include over 100 severely injured.
The match between local rivals was scheduled to be played before a stadium maximum of 70,000 spectators, but early reports claim that over 100,000 people were in the stadium, with many thousands outside clamouring for entry. Those outside had no tickets and it is reported that the security guards were taking bribes to let people into the stadium. The crowd outside the stadium pulled down the gates and raced into the already over-crowded stands, forcing those there against the pitch protective railings at the front next to the playing field. Authorities failed to realise in time that people were being crushed to death and the match was in play for over 30 minutes before the players were ordered from the pitch to allow the emergency services access to the injured.
There were insufficient medical facilities available to aid all of the injured.
Where have I seen most of this before? I remember Hillsborough for one, but if I think a bit more, I will be able to come up with others. It is a pity that the financial side of world-wide soccer and other sports does not remember as well.
After a brief review of the disaster scene, television reports quickly changed topic to about how this would affect South Africa's bid to host the world cup in 2010, and the remainder of the news item focussed on that aspect. Quite honestly, I don't give a hoot how it affects South Africa's chance of hosting the 2010 world cup. What I do care about is the insensitivity of the world-wide media and the uncaring attitude of those who control world-wide soccer for the safety of the fans. Fans go to watch a soccer match not to die or be injured. It is time for the civil emergency management and health and safety world to start using the powers that they have and start to ensure that civil safety is the, and the only, consideration. If the venue for an event is not safe then it must not be allowed to be held. Then, and only then, will the money makers take serious notice of you.
Henry C. Wilson