Three teenagers crushed to death in stampede at St Patrick’s disco
‘Traumatic and frightening’
A PROMISING cheerleader was among three teenagers killed after they were caught in a crush at a St Patrick’s Day disco.
Year 13 college student Lauren Bullock died following the incident in the queue outside the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, when a ‘hundreds’strong crowd surged forwards.
The other victims were named as Connor Currie, 16, and Morgan Barnard, 17.
Witnesses described teenagers falling over each other, scratching, biting and struggling to breathe in their desperate attempts to get to the front of the queue on Sunday night.
In addition to the three fatalities, a 16-year- old girl is in a stable condition in hospital and two teenagers were treated for injuries.
It is believed the crush started after people were pushed up against the gates of the venue, which had not yet opened. Witness Eimar Tallon said: ‘It started with pushing and shoving but everyone was still laughing and having a good time. Then the literal crushing started.
‘The people on the outside of the line were so determined to get in they felt the need to not only push us against the wall but push us with all their strength. No matter how much we screamed and pushed back there was no movement.
‘I could still see people laughing with no idea what was going on. At this point I thought my friends were going to die.
‘ With more and more pushing I also fell. But I wasn’t on the ground, I was on top of someone, and this person else. was As on I looked top of someone down I could see multiple bodies underneath me and as I looked up I could see multiple bodies on top of me. It was the most traumatic, frightening and stressful moment of my life.’
Miss Tallon added: ‘Unfortunately a friend of mine who I had seen in the line and chatted to minutes beforehand has died.
‘There is no sugar coating what happened last night. The truth is, it could have been prevented.’
Catherine McHugh, principal of St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, said Miss Bullock, 17, was ‘a beautiful girl, a shining light in our school community’. She added: ‘She gave generously of her time and talents. She was a leader among her peers and a quiet, strong and loyal presence.’ Last night, cheerleading club Euphoria Allstars wrote: ‘You were the most down-to- earth, beautiful soul and our team will never be the same without you. You were an
incredible and the backbone cheerleader of our team. We love you, Lauren, you’re now shining over us all. We will never forget you.’
Mr Currie’s Gaelic football team, Edendork Gac, released a statement saying: ‘As a club and community we are deeply saddened and devastated to hear of the tragic passing of our much- loved and highly thought of player.
‘Connor will forever be remembered with the greatest affection by all associated with our club.’
Bridge Parks, Mr Currie’s aunt, said he was a ‘ wee gentleman’ and his family were ‘devastated’.
The owner of the Greenvale Hotel last night offered his sympathy to those who died and confirmed he was co-operating with a police investigation. Michael McElhatton said: ‘We are all deeply shocked and saddened following the dramatic events of last night.
‘ We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families and the friends of the three young people who have lost their lives.
‘Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured or affected in any way by this tragedy. Our staff are assisting the police in their investigations and I would like to place on record our appreciation for the speedy response of the emergency services.’
Police are urging for anyone with footage of the incident to come forward.