Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
2 TEENAGERS KILLED IN HOTEL STAMPEDE
Several injured as emergency crews rush to scene
TWO teenagers have died after a stampede at a disco last night.
Dozens of young people who had been enjoying a St Patrick’s night party were caught up in panic outside the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown.
Multiple ambulance crews and police attended the scene in Co Tyrone after the horror unfolded just after 9.30pm. Several young people are injured.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “I can confirm there are two fatalities at this stage and
a small number of other casualties. Parents are asked to collect children from Family and Friends reception at Glenavon Hotel.
“While the exact cause of the incident is still unknown, there are reports of a crush at the scene.”
A source added: “A number of young people have suffered severe injuries and are being taken to hospital for emergency care.
“Our thoughts are with them and their families.
“This is a desperate situation on what should have been a fantastic night. It will be memorable for all the wrong reasons now.”
Another source told the Mirror: “A lot of people had congregated outside the Greenvale and there was a lot of carry on but suddenly all hell broke loose and there was a big panic.
RUNNING
“People were running all over the place.
“We were trying to get away. Someone was doing CPR on someone on the ground.”
The ambulance service described the situation on the Drum Road as “ongoing” and “serious”.
A representative of the nearby Glenavon Hotel said fire crews were also attending the scene.
He added a PSNI officer borrowed its defibrillator.
Hospitality Ulster chief Colin Neill said: “We are devastated to hear of the confirmed PSNI report of at least two deaths this evening at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown.
“This is shocking and tragic news and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased.”