At least 25 rushed to hospital after fans storm pitch in huge invasion as club wins promotion to Germany’s Bundesliga
AT least 25 people have been rushed to hospital after hundreds of football fans stormed the pitch after a German club’s crucial match.
Wild scenes erupted at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion after they sealed their long-awaited return to the Bundesliga.
But the celebrations quickly spiralled into chaos as a massive pitch invasion left dozens injured.
A major rescue operation was launched after jubilant HSV supporters stormed the field following a thumping 6-1 win over SSV Ulm, which secured their promotion on the penultimate matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga.
Dramatic footage from the stadium shows fans jumping from the stands, toppling advertising boards and sprinting across the pitch in a frenzied mass.
Some climbed onto the players, while others raced toward the dugouts and attempted to enter the dressing rooms before being stopped by police.
In total, one person was left with life-threatening injuries, 19 were seriously hurt, and five suffered minor injuries, according to Berliner Tageszeitung.
A fire department spokesperson said several fans had been injured after leaping from the stands, while others were hurt in scuffles amid the chaos.
A total of 44 people received on-site medical treatment.
Around 65 firefighters and emergency personnel – backed by a dozen ambulances – swarmed the stadium to deal with the fallout.
The Hamburg Fire department confirmed they initiated a full-scale emergency response at the scene, as scenes of joy turned to panic.
HSV’s victory capped a dramatic end to their seven-year stay in Germany’s second division.
It also marked the end of six failed attempts to return to the top flight.
But the celebrations stretched city resources thin.
Emergency services were already stretched due to the 836th Hafengeburtstag festival and a concert by pop star Roland Kaiser nearby at the Barclays Arena, BlueWin reports.
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