New Year tragedy: Nine die in Uganda shopping mall stampede

At least nine people were killed during a stampedeat Freedom City Mall in Kampala, Uganda, as revellers ushered in the New Year duringfestivities, police have said.

After fireworks, a stampede ensued resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others.

“It is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event’s emceeencouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display. After the display ended, a stampede ensued resulting into the instant deaths of five people,”Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police SpokespersonASP Luke Owoyesigyire said on January 1, 2023.

Additionally, ASP Owoyesigyire disclosed that emergency responders transported several casualtiesto a hospital where a total of nine fatalities were confirmed following the crowd crush.

Several childrenwere among those crushed to death inthe new year festivities.

“The Katwe Territorial Police are investigating an incident of rush and neglect that occurred at a New Year’s Eve event at the Freedom City Mall Namasuba,”ASP Owoyesigyire said.

The bodies weretransferred toCity Mortuary Mulago, he added.