Hell broke loose without warning.

At least 79 people were reported killed as of posting time while 208 others were injured after a stampede at Philsport stadium (formerly ULTRA) in Pasig City early morning Saturday.

Authorities told GMA News the tragedy erupted after security personnel started to let the people inside the stadium.

Thousands of people were waiting since Thursday to have the opportunity to attend the first anniversary of the noontime television show Wowowee.

When the crowd realized that there was movement near the gate people at the back started pushing and later broke the lines. The crowd began to shove, push and trample those who fell on the ground.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the incident happened between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.

The ground near the Philsport entrance is an incline so when people in front fell the others followed like domino pieces.

The fatalities, most of whom were old women, were taken to various hospitals and funeral homes.

A four-year old girl identified as Julian Elaine Allucod was among the fatalities.

An estimated 40,000 people gathered outside the stadium waiting to attend the first anniversary celebration of Wowowee, a variety show of ABS-CBN Network, Inc.

In a statement, the ABS-CBN management said it "deeply regrets the very unfortunate incident that happened at the Ultra as thousands of people flock[ed] to watch the first anniversary celebration of Wowowee."

“We sympathize with the families and loved ones of the victims and grieve over the loss of lives. Management assures the public that it will do everything it can to provide assistance and support to those affected," the statement read.

Rescue workers had a hard time taking away victims because of the crowd.

DEADLINE

President Arroyo gave law enforcers 72 hours to investigate the incident and submit a comprehensive report.

Mrs. Arroyo "shares the grief of the families of those who died in the tragic stampede," a Palace statement said.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye appealed for calm as he vowed that the government will identify those responsible for the incident and will do everything to prevent a similar incident.

DILG already formed a fact-finding committee to determine the cause of the incident and identify those who should be held liable.

The investigating panel will include DILG Undersecretary Mario Corpus, Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Vidal Querol and representatives from the health department and the Office of Civil Defense.

The PNP formed “Task Force Ultra” that will serve as the fact-finding body's investigating arm.

UNDERESTIMATED?

Police officers said they will look into the reported opening of the gates, adding that event managers might have underestimated the number of people who were waiting outside the stadium.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said the National Telecommunications Commission is looking into the possible culpability of the program's organizers.

Mrs. Arroyo and Vice-President Noli de Castro, a former newscaster of ABS-CBN, visited the victims around noon Saturday.

The President came in a black dress. She talked to some of the injured.

PNP doctors were later sent to Rizal Medical Center to assist hospital personnel and nurses.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President ordered Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) chairman Avelino Cruz Jr. and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to send teams to find out what the government can do to mitigate the situation. -GMANEWS.TV