Fans panic at overcrowded stadium in Brazil

AP FILE PHOTO

SAO PAULO — Fans climbed a fence and jumped onto the field to escape the overcrowded stands during a second-division football match Saturday in one of Brazil’s World Cup host cities.

The chaotic scene took place at the Frasqueirao Stadium in the northeastern city of Natal, delaying the match between ABC and Palmeiras for nearly an hour as authorities tried to clear the crowd. No serious injuries were reported.

Children and women cried as they tried to get away from a crowd of fans packed near one of the stadium’s entrances.

Authorities were investigating whether more than 16,000 tickets were sold for the game, the maximum permitted at the venue.

World Cup matches in Natal will be played at the new Arena das Dunas Stadium, which is expected to be completed in December.