The third & final day of Asake’s headline show at London’s Brixton O2 Academy left two people dead in a suspected crowd crush on December 15. The Brixton Academy in South London is one of the city’s most famous music venue. Built as a movie theater in the 1920s, it has a capacity of just under 5,000.
Gaby Hutchinson, 23, who was working as part of the security team died in the hospital early Monday morning confirmed by the Metropolitan Police. This followed the death of 33-year old Rebecca Ikumelo. Rebecca, mother of two passed away on Saturday morning. Both victims were said to be in the foyer of the venue when they were caught in the crush, ahead of the concert by the Nigerian artist. Another woman aged 21 remains in critical condition.
Amid the reports that people without tickets had attempted to force their way inside, the police has launched an urgent investigation on why the crush happened. Police were called to the venue around 9:30pm following reports of a large number of people were attempting to force entry to the venue.
Nigeran Afrobeat signer tweeted for those to attend the venue without tickets. Shortly after appearing on the stage, Asake was forced to cut his gig after 10 minutes. Videos on social media show a crowd gathering outside with no in or out flow of the venue as hundreds tried to gain entry to the concert.
Asake took to social media on December 17 to address Ikumelo’s death.
I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening. My team and I are still awaiting the full debrief back from the venue management and the police to determine what exactly led to all the disruption caused and ultimately to Rebecca’s passing.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove released a new statement since the news of Hutchinson’s death:
It is devastating news that a second person has lost their life following the events on Thursday. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Gabrielle’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.
There is currently an investigation in place and the Met police is urging online submission of phots and videos as they are trying to gather information to try to establish what happened. To share any information please call the Metropolitan Police at 101 and reference 6275/15 Dec and to share videos from the scene tag @MetCC on Twitter.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of this unfortunate tragedy.
