Nine killed in New Year’s Eve crush in Ugandan capital

At least nine people were killed during a stampede at Freedom City Mall in Kampala, Uganda, as revellers ushered in the New Year during festivities.Several children were among those crushed to death in the new year festivities.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, it is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event’s emcee encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display. After the display ended, a stampede ensued resulting into the instant deaths of five people. Four other people died on their way to hospital, “largely due to suffocation.

Emergency responders transported several casualties to a hospital where a total of nine fatalities were confirmed following the crowd crush. The bodies were transferred to City Mortuary Mulago.

The celebrations to welcome in 2023 were the first in the East African country since restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and security issues were lifted.