Wall collapses, killing six people

JAKARTA (JP): Six people were crushed to death and dozens of others injured on Aug. 17 when a concrete wall outside of a sport stadium packed with people celebrating Independence Day collapsed.

The incident happened in the sports hall of the 50-Kota regency, about 140 kilometers north of the capital of Padang, while hundreds of people were watching a parade.

Eyewitnesses said it occurred just minutes after the audience heard the reading of Indonesia's proclamation of independence at 10 a.m.

Antara reported yesterday that the wall near the hall's entrance collapsed under a group of people, who had been climbing it to have a closer look at a drum band show.

"The wall crumbled as hoardes of people raced and jostled with each other to climb it," an eyewitness said.

Four people were found dead beneath the rubble and a 23-year- old student identified as Fitriani of the Andalas University of Padang, died in the hospital.

"She died from multiple injuries," a nurse at the Adenan Hospital in Payakumbuh said.

The four-hectare Singa Harau Luak Limo Puluah Koto sports stadium is the only one in the area. With a capacity of 310,000 people, the stadium, opened last May, is regularly used for major ceremonies. (03)