The stampede took place last night at Freedom City Mall in Kampala.
As revelers rang in the New Year on Sunday in the capital of Uganda, a shopping mall crush claimed the lives of at least nine people, among them a ten-year-old boy.
After the Kampala fireworks, “a stampede erupted, resulting in the instant deaths of five individuals and injuries to several more,” according to Ugandan police.
‘Emergency responders came on the scene and took the injured people to the hospital, where nine were confirmed dead,’ said the emergency team.
According to a police statement, crowds ran to view a New Year’s fireworks display but became trapped in a small hallway.
‘Very many people got stuck as they were entering in large numbers to see fireworks. In doing so, many people suffocated to death. So far nine people are confirmed dead.’
Uganda Police Force said via Twitter: ‘The Katwe Territorial Police are investigating an incident of rash and neglect that occurred at a New Year’s Eve event at the Freedom City Mall Namasuba and resulted in the deaths of nine people, including several juveniles.’
“It is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event’s MC encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display. After the display ended, a stampede ensued-resulting into the instant deaths of five people,” says ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson on January 1, 2023.
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