Student, 20, dies in nightclub crush after safety barrier collapses
A DURHAM University student has died after a safety barrier collapsed on her during a crush outside a nightclub in the city.
Olivia Burt, 20, who was in her first year studying natural sciences, was queuing to get into the Missoula venue in the Walkergate area just before midnight on Wednesday when the accident happened.
Witnesses described how the club – which was running a student night promotion with cut price drinks – was packed with about 600 revellers, with many more queuing outside.
It is thought Miss Burt, who was near the front of the queue, fell under a heavy safety barrier that collapsed as people at the back pushed forward.
Witnesses said she was trapped underneath the barrier, but was also bleeding heavily from a head wound.
A doorman at the venue and fellow students rushed to her aid and tried to give her CPR until the emergency services arrived, but she died at the scene. A post mortem carried out yesterday confirmed that her death was the result of head injuries.
A witness, who asked not to be named, said: “They were queuing to get in, my friend was in the queue. There was a metal barrier that they put at the front to stop people coming in. They stopped people at the front of the queue from coming in because it was so busy inside, but the people at the back didn’t know and kept pushing and one of the barriers fell.
“The girl was stuck under it and people just piled up on top of her. My friend was pulling people off her but there were too many.”
Another said: “People were barging to get in. The queue had gone around the fence and as they pushed to get in it caused the fence to fall over. The girl was trapped under it and crushed. There was a fair bit of panic. One of the security men ran toward her and took his shirt off to stem the bleeding.”
Miss Burt, an only child, grew up in Lymington, Hampshire, and was head girl at Bournemouth School for Girls.
She started studying at University College, Durham, last year and lived in halls of residence in the city centre. A keen sailor, she had been enjoying a night out with the sailing club.
Owen Adams, pro-vice-chancellor of Durham University, said: “The death of one of our students in Durham City has shocked and saddened the whole Durham University community. Our thoughts remain with the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We are continuing to offer support to those who are affected.”
Professor David Held, master of University College, Durham, said: “The college has lost a bright and outstanding student. It is hard to come to terms with her loss, and we will miss her greatly.”
Police said they were investigating the circumstances of Miss Burt’s death, but it was unclear whether it was being treated as a criminal matter.
Missoula, which opened in September 2016, hosts what is described as “Durham’s Biggest Student Night” every Wednesday, attracting more than 600 revellers each week. Witnesses claimed that a large number of people were gathered with bouncers operating a one-in-one-out policy.
Det Supt Kevin Weir, of Durham Constabulary, said: “An investigation is ongoing between ourselves and Durham County Council.”
Phoenix Security, which provides security for the venue, declined to comment. A spokesman for the Stonegate pub company, which owns the venue, said: “We are unable to comment due to it being the subject of a police investigation.”