At least 13 people died in a stampede at a nightspot in Lima after authorities raided the club hosting a party in violation of Peru's pandemic lockdown, officials said.
The victims suffocated or were crushed as they tried to flee the Thomas Disco in the capital's Los Olivos district. Around 120 partygoers had gathered Saturday night on the second floor, the Ministry of Interior said.
Most of the victims were in their 20s, local news reports said. Six others were injured, including three police officers. The ministry said an "unscrupulous businessman" would be held accountable for "criminal irresponsibility" that resulted in the tragedy.
According to the public prosecutor's office, 11 of the 13 who died were positive for COVID-19 while 15 of 23 detained by authorities also tested positive for the virus.
Police said there was one entry door only and a staircase leading outside. The crowd was trapped between the door and staircase. Police had to force the door open after the commotion.
Peru's President Martin Vizcarra said he was deeply sorry for the victims and their relatives and angry at those who organized the party. Vizcarra called on the authorities to punish those responsible.
Authorities said neither tear gas nor weapons were used during the raid. Peru's Women's Minister Rosario Sasieta said she was outraged. The party should never have occurred as "we are in a health emergency." The minister is calling for the "maximum punishment possible" for the organizers and disco owners.
Peru ordered bars and nightclubs to shut in March and restricted family gatherings Aug. 12 as part of policies aimed at keeping at bay the second-worst COVID-19 infection rate in Latin America, Reuters reported.
Peru had around 585,236 cases as of Saturday - double what it reported July 2. The number of deaths climbed to 27,453.
