Asake grieves as woman dies after crush at London concert

A lady identified as Rebecca Ikumelo has been confirmed dead after being caught up in crush at a London arena where popular Nigerian singer Asake was due to perform.

Asake said on Saturday that he was devastated after police announced the death of the woman.

The 33-year-old woman who died had been one of three people seriously injured in the incident on Thursday evening.

The police also said on Saturday that two other women aged 21 and 23 remained in a critical condition in hospital.

Asake said, “I am devastated by the news,” Asake said on Instagram, adding that he had spoken to her loved ones and would “continue to do so.

“I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening.

“My sincerest condolences to her loved ones at this time. Let us please keep her family in our prayers.”

Emergency teams were called to the O2 Academy in south London following reports that “a large number of people were attempting to force entry to the venue”, the Metropolitan Police said earlier.

Officers, ambulance crews and fire brigade responders arrived to find numerous people with injuries caused by the crush.

Eight people were taken to hospital by ambulance while two “less seriously injured” were treated at the scene.