9 Dead In Stampede At New Year’s Fireworks Show

A stampede during the New Year’s Eve festivities at a shopping center in the capital city of Uganda claimed the lives of at least nine people, including some children, police said Sunday. 

The melee occurred After the fireworks show, there was a crowd outside Kampala’s Freedom City Mall. Witnesses report that the crowds moved in opposite directions which resulted in people being crushed, trampled, or even dying.

“After the display ended, a stampede ensued resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries of several others,” Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesman Lucas Owoyesigyire said. “Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported the injured individuals to the hospital, where nine were confirmed dead,” He added, according Voice of America.

In a statement, the Uganda Police Force stated that statement It is currently investigating the incident “rash and neglect” It has been confirmed “several juveniles” Among the nine people who died were they? The incident happened around midnight, it was added. “when the event’s MC encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display.” 

“After the display ended, a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others,” The statement was added. 

The incident is said to have occurred at midnight, when the event’s host encouraged people to go outside to view the fireworks display. A stampede broke out immediately after the display was over. Five people were killed and many others were injured.
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— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) January 1, 2023

“After the fireworks display, they were told to go back,” Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told NTV News. “That is where the stampede started because they were rushing, everybody was rushing inside.”

“She was enjoying, she was having fun,” A friend of a victim spoke out to the outlet. “But due to loss of breath… eventually she died.” 

“There was a huge crowd. People began pushing each other for space, leading some to fall, and the stampede ensued,” One survivor wrote The Guardian. “Children were crying and there was chaos. I survived because I was pushed in a corner by the crowd. I felt losing breath but I stayed put since I had no exit until the situation calmed down, but some people were already lying down gasping for breath.”

The mall is a well-known destination that is used for both music and celebrations. the Associated Press. 

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