By Adedapo Adesanya
Four people are reportedly in critical condition after a stampede happened at the concert of a Nigerian breakout star, Asake, at the Brixton O2 Academy in the United Kingdom on Thursday night.
British media reported that detectives were investigating the circumstances which led to the four people sustaining critical injuries in Brixton.
A statement from the authorities about the event that occurred at the Joha crooner concert said the police were called at 9:35 pm on Thursday, December 15, to the O2 Academy on Stockwell Road, SW9, following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry to the venue.
It was initially announced by concertgoers that two people died, but that is not verifiable at press time.
Officers, London Ambulance Service (LAS), and London Fire Brigade attended and found a number of people with injuries believed to have been caused by crushing.
Eight people were taken by ambulance to the hospital, four of whom remain in critical condition. LAS treated two other less seriously injured people at the scene.
“An urgent investigation is underway led by detectives from Specialist Crime. Cordons remain in place at the location as officers continue work at the scene,” the statement said.
However, the official statement seen by this newspaper confirmed that nobody had been arrested.
Speaking on this, Commander Ade Adelekan, Met Police Gold Commander, said: “This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
“A police investigation has been launched, and it will be as thorough and as forensic as necessary to establish exactly what happened last night. The scene will be examined by specialist officers, CCTV will be viewed, every witness that we can make contact with will be spoken to and all other lines of enquiry will be followed.
“Officers are remaining in the area to provide reassurance to the local community in and around Brixton. If you have any information or concerns, please speak with them.
“I am aware of videos being shared on social media. I would ask people to be sensible about what they share and not to post material that will be upsetting to those affected by this incident. Where force has been used by police officers, those officers know they have to be accountable for their actions.
“The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will view all material, including Body Worn Video footage from the officers at the scene. In relation to a clip being widely shared, I can confirm that no police dogs were deployed to the location.”
In a statement on his Instagram page on Friday, Asake said his heart was with the victims and prayed for their recovery. He also promised to be back.
His statement read, “My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you to get well soonest. I am also in the process of reaching out to individuals. I still do not have the full brief from the venue management themselves as to what led to the disruption at the entrance of The Brixton Academy, but we are thankful that all was peaceful in the end.
“For my people who enjoyed the beginning of my performance, I am sorry that it was cut short. Thank you for your unbelievable love London. I love you too much! I’m looking forward to seeing you again in a bit!”
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