State-run television in Iran says at least five people were crushed to death and 40 others injured in a stampede following a World Cup football (soccer) qualifying match Friday night in Tehran.
The tragedy occurred as thousands of spectators rushed to the exits of the Azadi stadium after host Iran beat Japan 2-1 in a Group-B qualifier for the 2006 World Cup finals.
More than 100,000 spectators had packed the stadium for the match. Medical reports say at least five of the injured are in critical condition. Police, judicial and football federation authorities are investigating the incident.
Iran is seeking its third appearance in the World Cup finals. Its win Friday night puts Iran in first place in Group-B, tied with Bahrain with four points. Japan is third with three points.
