Local scene in Kampala, Uganda, where people gathered to enjoy the New Year's fireworks. Photo by AFP, Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As New Year celebrations took place around the world in 2023, a crowd gathered all at once to watch the New Year's fireworks in Uganda, Africa, resulting in a stampede that killed nine people.
According to AFP and other sources on the 1st (local time), a stampede occurred just after midnight at Freedom City Mall in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
The accident happened as people trying to watch the New Year's fireworks crowded into a narrow shopping mall corridor and became trapped.
Among the deceased were reportedly children as young as 10 years old.
A spokesperson for the Kampala police stated, "Many people gathered to watch the fireworks, causing congestion, and several people suffocated and were injured. The death toll so far is nine."
He added, "Among the deceased are teenagers. Rescue workers transported the injured to hospitals," and explained, "The cause of the accident was the hurried movement and carelessness of the people."
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