Police and ambulances were called to a London park after a Ghana Party in the Park descended into chaos – organisers have released a lengthy statement a “crowd surge”
Organisers of a London festival where multiple people were left injured following a crush have apologised.
Disturbing footage shared on social media shows guests screaming in terror and desperately trying to free themselves of the crowd surge at Ghana Party in the Park on Saturday. Some guests are seen falling to the floor and others are heard shouting in panic amid the chaotic scenes in the park in Barnet, north London.
Three people were taken to hospital with others sustaining less serious injuries.. Now, the festival organisers have apologised and called the scenes “deeply upsetting”.
Witnesses saw injured people being carried from the grounds on stretchers by medics. One 18-year-old present described the incident as “very chaotic,” adding that the festival was “very poorly organised”.
The official statement, posted on the event’s Instagram page, said: “Yesterday was one of the most difficult days in the history of Ghana Party in the Park. First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, distressed or otherwise affected by the events that took place.
“Seeing members of our community impacted in this way has been deeply upsetting. We sincerely apologise and our hearts go out to everyone involved. We wish those who sustained injuries a full and speedy recovery and extend our sincere support to their families, friends and loved ones.”
But speculation on social media suggesting a stabbing had occured is inaccurate, both the festival and the Metropolitan Police confirmed. Nevertheless, following the crowd surge, the festival closed early on Saturday. Organisers said its thoughts are with those people injured and their families.
The statement added: “We are also aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media. We can confirm that there were no stabbing incidents at the festival and no fatalities occurred.
“Earlier in the day a fire involving a vendors [sic] required a temporary pause to the festival while the London Fire Brigade emergency services and our event safety teams responded. Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe normal event operations resumed.
“Later in the day a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in several attendees sustaining injuries. Emergency services responded immediately including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Air Ambulance. Following discussions with the emergency services and our events management company the difficult decision was taken to bring the festival to an early close in the interests of public safety.
“For more than twenty years Ghana Party in the Park has celebrated Ghanaian culture, music and community, welcoming thousands of people in a safe and positive environment. This year’s event was in conjunction with ShattaFest.”
Following the incident, Met Police in Barnet said: “Officers are at Copthall Playing Fields where Ghana Party in the Park has been cancelled after an overcrowding issue at the entrance saw several people sustain non-life threatening injuries. Speculation about a stabbing is inaccurate. Please help us by avoiding the area.”
“A total of 23 people received some form of assistance either from the emergency services or the event medical team, with nine people assessed by the London Ambulance Service.
“Three were taken to hospital, where their condition was confirmed as non-life-threatening. The event was ended early, and crowds left without further incident.”
