Published
Mon, Dec 10, 2018, 18:14
- Panic ensued at an allegedly overcrowded venue in Corinaldo after clubgoers smelled an "irritant spray."
A stampede at Italian venue Blue Lantern has killed six people and injured many more.
The Washington Post reports that the incident started after "someone unleashed an irritant spray." Victims were trampled near a "low wall" by the exit of the nightclub. They ranged in age from 14 to 39, which includes the mother of two teenagers who also died.
The incident happened at a concert by Italian rapper Sfera Ebbasta about 30 minutes before he was due to begin on Friday night. The Blue Lantern is located in Corinaldo, near the Adriatic coast.
The chief prosecutor of the province of Ancona said that 1400 tickets were sold for the event at a venue that only holds 870 people. The premiere of the province later said that only one room, which holds 469 people, of three was in use that night. Other witnesses commented on overcrowding.
The Italian president has ordered an investigation into what happened, while the pope led a silent prayer for the victims.
Photo credit: CBS/AP