One dead, eight injured in Amman crowd crush during Jordan Algeria match

One person died and eight others were injured in a crowd crush at a public World Cup screening in central Amman early on Tuesday, Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said.

The incident occurred at Hashemite Square, where supporters had gathered to watch Jordan’s 2-1 defeat by Algeria in their second Group J match.

Emergency teams transported nine people to hospital after heavy crowding and movement inside the square led to the crush, the Jordan News Agency reported, citing the security directorate.

One of the injured died shortly after arriving at hospital. The body was transferred to the forensic medicine department to establish the cause of death.

The remaining eight people received medical treatment and were reported to be in stable or moderate condition, authorities said.

Officials did not immediately release the identity of the person who died or provide details on what triggered the crowd movement.

Hashemite Square and the neighbouring Roman Theatre have drawn large gatherings during Jordan’s first World Cup appearance, with supporters watching matches on giant screens in the centre of the capital.

Jordan were playing their second match of the tournament after losing 3-1 to Austria in their opening fixture.

Algeria’s victory left Jordan without a point after two games, while Algeria collected their first three points following an opening defeat by Argentina.

Authorities said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crowd crush was continuing.