Woman killed in Colombia's World Cup celebrations
Date June 29, 2014
Officials said a 25-year-old woman was murdered Saturday in Bogota following Colombia’s World Cup win over Uruguay in what they initially said was an accident caused by a stray bullet fired in celebration.
After the game authorities said that someone celebrated by firing into the air, and that the bullet accidentally killed a woman in the Bogota neighbourhood of Bosa.
But upon investigation, police determined that a gunman had targeted the woman, acting Bogota mayor Ricardo Bonilla said in a press conference.
‘‘A hitman on a motorcycle opened fire on three people,’’ Bonilla said.
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He described it as ‘‘the only deadly case’’ in the post-game celebrations.
However five people were injured after the game and 274 fights broke out, Bonilla said, citing preliminary figures.
Police said that national figures on game-related accidents and violence will be released on Sunday.
When Colombia beat Greece on June 14 police reported nine people dead, 150 vehicle accidents and 3,000 fights.
This happened despite Colombia’s ban on alcohol sales and increased policing during the matches.
In the next game, Colombia -- which has not classified for a World Cup tournament in 16 years and reaches the quarter finals for the first time -- will face powerhouse Brazil on July 4.When Colombia beat Greece in the earlier round, celebrations left nine people dead. The deaths occurred despite Colombia's ban on alcohol sales and increased policing during the matches.
Meanwhile, a 69-year-old Brazilian fan has died of heart failure while watching his country’s World Cup penalty shootout win over Chile.
The man was watching the tense encounter, which Brazil won on spot kicks after the sides were locked 1-1 after extra time, in a nearby bar when he complained of feeling unwell.
The fan, who was diabetic, died shortly after being taken to hospital, web news portal G1 and the website of Estado de Minas newspaper reported.
The paper added local health officials had to treat some 100 people during the game, including a 50-year-old woman for a heart problem during the penalties and a young man whose nose was fractured in a fight.
AFP
