At least 13 killed in stampede fleeing Peru police at banned club

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- At least 13 people died in a stampede at a nightclub in Lima, Peru, while attempting to flee during a raid Saturday night by police enforcing coronavirus regulations, according to Peruvian National Police.

Six others, including three police officers, were injured at an illegal party with more than 120 people in attendance in Thomas Restobar in the Los Olivos district of Peru's capital city, Orlando Velasco Mujica, general of the Peruvian National Police said.

Because of coronavirus, large social gatherings are banned and there is nationwide 10 p.m. curfew. Peru has the ninth-most deaths, more than 27,000, from the virus.

Around 9 p.m., the Ministry of the Interior reported that people began to flee the venue on the second floor trying to get away from the police and they were crushed on the stairs. Police said they did not use any type of weapon or tear gas.

Interior Minister Jorge said 23 people were arrested and two of the alleged owners of the nightclub, Leandro Monyota Callirgos and his wife, were detained.

"The minister also expressed his sorrow for the tragedy and his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and stressed that it is strictly forbidden, under responsibility, to participate in social or family meetings," a statement said.