Features
Three Critical After Brixton Academy Concert Rush, UPDATE: Two Dead
A large crowd trying to force its way into the last of three sold-out shows by Asake at Brixton Academy, Dec. 15, caused several people to get crushed in the onrush.
Three remain in critical condition according to a BBC report. The concert by Afropop singer Asake had to be abandoned part-way through. London Metropolitan Police said a large number of people tried to force their way inside.
Asake had asked his fans to not show up without a valid ticket ahead of the show. Afterwards he wrote on Instagram, “My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest.”
Update, 12/19/22, 0.30 a.m. PST: On Saturday morning, Dec. 17, London Metropolitan Police informed the public that one woman, 33 year old Rebecca Ikumelo, had died in hospital. According to the Met, two other women aged 21 and 23 remain in a critical condition.
In a statement, Ikumelo’s family said: “Rebecca was a graduate of nursing. She was an adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids. She was well respected in the family for her care, kindness and love. Her parents call her Tosin (short for Oluwatosin) meaning ‘Lord is Worthy’.”
Academy Music Group, owner of Brixton Academy, said in a statement: “All at O2 Academy Brixton and Academy Music Group are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rebecca’s family and friends, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating news at this extremely difficult time.”
Update, 12/19/22, 9.40 a.m. PST: A second woman who suffered injuries during the incident at the O2 Brixton Academy on Thursday has sadly died, London Metropolitan Police said on Monday, Dec. 19.
“Gabrielle Hutchinson, aged 23, died in hospital in the early hours of Monday, 19 December. She was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event that evening,” the Met statement reads.
And it continues, “At this time we have established that the three women who were critically injured, including Rebecca Ikumelo and Gabrielle Hutchinson who have tragically died, were all in the foyer of the building.
“A third woman, aged 21, remains in hospital in a critical condition.”