Eight hospitalised after Asake London concert crush, police investigate

Many people were injured l after a crush at a London concert venue, where Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade fondly called Asake was billed to perform.

Already, eight people reportedly hospitalised and this prompted police to cancel the concert at the Brixton O2 Academy.

Police confirmed eight people were taken to hospitals after being caught in a crowd of people trying to get into the arena.

Two other injured people were treated at the scene.

Police said emergency services were called Thursday night after “a large crowd attempted to gain entry without tickets.”

Video from outside the venue shows scores of people pushing to get in.

The Metropolitan Police said officers, ambulance crew and firefighters arrived and found “a number of people with injuries believed to have been caused by crushing.”

The force said it would hold a thorough investigation into what happened and how officers treated the crowd.

Metropolitan Police Gold Commander Ade Adelekan said officers who use force “know they have to be accountable for their actions.” He said officers’ body-worn video footage would be studied as part of a probe into the incident.

“This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families,” he said.

“A police investigation has been launched, and it will be as thorough and as forensic as necessary to establish exactly what happened last night.”

Asake in a statement on his Instagram page on Friday said his heart was with the victims and prayed for their recovery.

His statement read, “My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest. I am also in the process of reaching out to individuals. I still do not have the full brief from the venue management themselves as to what led to the disruption at the entrance of The Brixton Academy, but we are thankful that all was peaceful at the end.

“For my people who enjoyed the beginning of my performance, I am sorry that it was cut short. Thank you for your unbelievable love London. I love you too much! I’m looking forward to seeing you again in a bit!”