Singer Asake tells injured fans ‘I pray you get well soonest’ after crush at Brixton gig left three critical

16 December 2022, 05:57 | Updated: 16 December 2022, 15:50

By Fran Way

@journofran

Concert-goers caught in a ‘stampede’ of 3,000 people outside Brixton’s O2 Academy last night have described how they were scared they were going to die.

Three people are in hospital in critical condition fighting for their lives after being caught in an apparent crush outside the sold-out concert of award-winning Nigerian Afrobeats singer Asake.

He apologised to fans today, adding that he was still trying to find out what happened at the venue's entrance.

Some 3,000 people without a ticket to the gig were trying to force their way inside, leaving no choice but for police to shut down the concert just three songs in.

Police said that officers, London Ambulance Service (LAS) and London Fire Brigade found a number of people with injuries believed to have been caused by crashing.

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Eight people were taken to hospital, four of them in a critical condition.

One witness who made it out without severe injuries shared her experience on Twitter, writing: “I left my house to enjoy Asake, ended up having a panic attack in the queue because of the stampede and people not acting accordingly. I was in literal tears, scared for my life. Worst experience of my life.”

Asake apologised to fan in a statement on Instagram: "My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you 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 at 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!"

Four critically injured in ‘crowd crush’ at Brixton Academy Asake gig

Eight people were taken by ambulance to hospital, four of are in a critical condition, police said.

Paramedics treated two other less seriously injured people at the scene.

A video on TikTok showed a man on stage telling the crowd: "The reason we have to stop the show is because they have breached the doors.

"You've got 3,000 people who have broken the doors outside and because of security the police have asked us to close the show. We apologise to you, it's nothing to do with us, Asake and the promoters."

Video footage on social media shows the chaos outside with hundreds of people pushing each other and shouting.

One woman inside at the event said: "He's been on the stage for three minutes, they've locked it off. Apparently loads of people have breached the door.

"My question is, why are you selling 3,000 tickets if not everyone can attend that would make no sense.

"They said they'd refund us but we ain't gonna get our money back, let's be real guys.

"We waited for three hours as well for him to come onto the stage for three minutes and it to be locked off."

Lambeth Police last night said: “Emergency services attended the O2 Academy in Brixton following reports that a number of people had been injured after a large crowd attempted to gain entry without tickets.

“Four people are in critical condition at hospital. Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance.”

Met police, London Fire Brigade and Ambulance crews were called to the scene at 9.35pm last night.

10 people were hurt in the incident, eight of those were taken to hospital, four of those in critical condition.

Cordons are still in place and police have launched an urgent investigation.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident in Brixton last night.

"Eight people were taken to hospital, with four in a critical condition.

"An urgent investigation is already underway. I remain in close contact with the Met Commissioner & emergency services. I am heartbroken that this could happen to Londoners in our city and urge anyone with any information to contact the police on 101.

"I won’t rest until we have the answers their loved ones need and deserve."

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 video 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.”

Any witnesses are asked to call police on the non-emergency line 101 quoting the reference 6725/15Dec