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 Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:52 am Post subject: Crowd injured at Birmingham lights switch-on |
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<div class="track"><img alt="" src="http://hits.guardian.co.uk/b/ss/guardiangu-feeds/1/H.20.3/60309?ns=guardian&pageName=Crowd+surge+at+Birmingham+Christmas+lights+switch-on+leaves+scores+injur%3AArticle%3A1305315&ch=UK+news&c3=GU.co.uk&c4=UK+news%2CMusic%2CCulture+section&c6=Press+Association&c7=09-Nov-14&c8=1305315&c9=Article&c10=News&c11=UK+news&c13=&c25=&c30=content&h2=GU%2FUK+news%2F" width="1" height="1" /></div><p class="standfirst">Reports indicate up to 20,000 people turned up to see pop acts including JLS and Little Boots - far more than the 5,000 fans expected</p><p>Four people were taken to hospital and scores more injured this afternoon during a crowd surge at a Christmas lights switch-on in Birmingham city centre.</p><p></p><p>According to reports, thousands more than the 5,000 fans expected at today's event turned up hoping to see acts including Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Little Boots, Alexandra Burke, the Noisettes and Pixie Lott.</p><p></p><p>As X-Factor runners-up JLS took to the stage, a metal barrier penning the crowd in collapsed, leaving 60 people needing treatment, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.</p><p></p><p>The planned concert and lights switch-on were cancelled as paramedics set up a special unit to treat the wounded.</p><p></p><p>One woman in her 30s suffered serious crush injuries to her pelvis, shoulder and leg. Another woman broke her ankle in the surge, which happened at Millennium Point on Jennens Lane at about 1.30pm.</p><p></p><p>A teenage boy fractured his wrist, while a girl in her teens suffered crush injuries to her back and legs.</p><p></p><p>A ambulance service spokeswoman said: "The remaining 56 patients suffered minor crush injuries and a range of minor medical complaints. They did not require further hospital treatment and were all discharged by ambulance crews at the scene."</p><p></p><p>Joan Durose, head of events at Birmingham City Council, said: "At 1.30pm we reached capacity and closed the gates with just under 20,000 people in the square.</p><p></p><p>"At the end of JLS's performance a safety fence was breached, allowing too many people on the square.</p><p></p><p>"We are very sorry that the event has had to be cancelled. We know that people will be very disappointed, but the health and safety of the thousands of young people at the event was our prime concern."</p><br/><div class="terms"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk">guardian.co.uk</a> © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our <a href="http://users.guardian.co.uk/help/article/0,,933909,00.html">Terms & Conditions</a> | <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/help/feeds">More Feeds</a></div><p style="clear:both" />
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