A total of 23 people received some form of assistance either from the emergency services or the event medical team
Organisers of a London festival have issued an apology after multiple attendees were injured due to a crowd surge.
Footage circulating on social media depicted guests in distress, struggling to escape the surge during the Ghana Party in the Park event on Saturday. Some festival-goers fell to the ground, while others were heard shouting in fear at the Barnet park in north London.
Reports indicate that three individuals were hospitalised, with others suffering less serious injuries. Festival organisers described the events as “deeply upsetting” in their official communication.
Eyewitnesses recounted seeing injured individuals being transported from the venue on stretchers by medical personnel. One attendee, an 18-year-old, referred to the incident as “very chaotic” and mentioned that the organisation of the festival was inadequate, reports the Mirror.
In an official statement shared on the event’s Instagram page, the organisers acknowledged: “Yesterday was one of the most difficult days in the history of Ghana Party in the Park. First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, distressed or otherwise affected by the events that took place.
“Seeing members of our community impacted in this way has been deeply upsetting. We sincerely apologise and our hearts go out to everyone involved. We wish those who sustained injuries a full and speedy recovery and extend our sincere support to their families, friends and loved ones.”
Speculation circulating on social media about a stabbing incident is unfounded, as confirmed by both the festival organisers and the Metropolitan Police. In light of the crowd surge, the festival made the decision to close early on Saturday. Organisers expressed their empathy for those injured and their families during this difficult time.
The statement added: “We are also aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media. We can confirm that there were no stabbing incidents at the festival and no fatalities occurred.
“Earlier in the day a fire involving a vendors [sic] required a temporary pause to the festival while the London Fire Brigade emergency services and our event safety teams responded. Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe normal event operations resumed.
“Later in the day a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in several attendees sustaining injuries. Emergency services responded immediately including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Air Ambulance. Following discussions with the emergency services and our events management company the difficult decision was taken to bring the festival to an early close in the interests of public safety.
The statement added: “We are also aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media. We can confirm that there were no stabbing incidents at the festival and no fatalities occurred.
“Earlier in the day a fire involving a vendors [sic] required a temporary pause to the festival while the London Fire Brigade emergency services and our event safety teams responded. Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe normal event operations resumed.
“Later in the day a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in several attendees sustaining injuries. Emergency services responded immediately including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Air Ambulance. Following discussions with the emergency services and our events management company the difficult decision was taken to bring the festival to an early close in the interests of public safety.
“For more than twenty years, Ghana Party in the Park has celebrated Ghanaian culture, music, and community, welcoming thousands of people in a safe and positive environment. This year’s event was in conjunction with ShattaFest.”
Following the incident, Met Police in Barnet said: “Officers are at Copthall Playing Fields where Ghana Party in the Park has been cancelled after an overcrowding issue at the entrance saw several people sustain non-life threatening injuries. Speculation about a stabbing is inaccurate. Please help us by avoiding the area.”
“A total of 23 people received some form of assistance either from the emergency services or the event medical team, with nine people assessed by the London Ambulance Service.
“Three were taken to hospital, where their condition was confirmed as non-life-threatening. The event was ended early, and crowds left without further incident.”
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