Three people are still in hospital, each in critical condition, after being injured in a crush at a show held at the Brixton O2 Academy, in London, that left several others hurt.
With the concert, by Afro-beats star Asake, in full flow, it was abandoned after large number of people tried to force their way in. Social media footage shows people screaming, shouting and struggling, with one crush victim saying: "I couldn't breathe, and I completely passed out.
“I thought I was dead." The woman, who was taken to hospital from the venue on Thursday night with suspected internal bleeding, said: "I took my last breath, and I could not get any more oxygen.
“I was so scared," she went on to say. Videos on social media show the mass crowd outside the venue, with more than 4,000 people in attendance at the gig.
In a statement, Police Borough Commander, Colin Wingrove, said: “Officers were called by staff at the venue at about 21:30 GMT, following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry. Some officers provided first aid and CPR to members of the public in order to save life."
He said that an incident in which an officer appeared to push a member of the public was under review by the force's directorate of professional standards. It is also to review footage from cameras worn by officers at the scene.
The concert was the third of three sold-out shows at the venue by Nigerian superstar, Asake. Before the show, he left a post on his Twitter account, asking for fans to not try gaining entry without a ticket. In a statement on his Instagram account, Asake said: "My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest."
The woman who passed out at the venue spoke to press agency UKNIP after being discharged from hospital. She said: "I was trying to get up, people were stepping on my head, all over me.
“I had more than 10 people on top of me. A man pulled me out so when I woke up I was in the back of the ambulance."
Described on the Brixton Academy website as ‘one of the hottest breakout stars from Nigeria’, Asake is touring his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe, which was nominated for BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2023 award.
