15 Jul 2013

Boxing spectators injured in stampede

9:07 pm on 15 July 2013

Police in the Indonesian province of Papua say at least 17 spectators, most of them women, have been crushed to death in a stampede at a boxing match.

More than 1000 people had watched a local championship match at a stadium in the town of Nabire on Sunday.

Supporters of the losing boxer reportedly started throwing chairs and the winner's supporters responded by throwing bottles, the BBC reports.

People rushed for the exit and many were trampled. About 40 have been injured.