Least nine people have died in a tragic crowd crush during new year festivities in the ugandan capital kampala. a number of children were killed in the incident, with people suffocating after getting caught between crowds that were moving in opposing directions. the incident unfolded at a shopping centre that hosted a fireworks display.
Incident occurred on new year’s eve, when covid-19 pandemic restrictions had been lifted for the holiday. a large number of people had attended the concert at freedom city mall, and partygoers had gone outdoors to see the midnight fireworks. when they tried to head back inside, a crowd surge occurred and five people – mostly children and juveniles – were said to have been killed after being stepped on.
Death toll was later put at nine after a number of people were taken to hospital. an eyewitness, ramadhan aphongo, told local broadcaster ntv that a friend was among the victims, saying “she was enjoying, she was having fun, but due to loss of breath… eventually she died.” an investigation is under way to determine why the incident occurred.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-64138857?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
