Five in hospital after balloon drop sparks stampede at Australian shopping centre

 

 

(Reuters) - Five people were hospitalised after Christmas shoppers were crushed in a midnight balloon drop of gift vouchers at a Sydney suburban shopping centre.

 

Video footage showed people at the Westfield Parramatta shopping centre jostling for the gold, silver and white balloons containing the gift cards. As the crowd surged, shoppers were sent sprawling, including one person dressed as Santa Claus.

 

Jonathan Nott, who took the footage, said he was worried someone would get hurt as the crowd gathered.

 

“It did not look like a very safe area for a large crowd to scramble for balloons.”

 

Paramedics called to the scene treated 12 people. Four men and one woman were taken to hospital.

 

“Three of the transported patients had more serious issues including traumatic chest injuries, neck and back pain as well as nausea and dizziness,” NSW Ambulance Inspector Phil Templeman said in a statement.

 

Scentre Group, which owns the Westfield chain in Australia, said that it was investigating the incident.

 

“The safety of our customers, retail partners and people is our priority,” a spokeswoman said.

 

“Our team acted swiftly to support our customers, contact emergency services and make the area safe. Our team are continuing to speak with affected customers directly.”

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-12-24

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And what was the value of these cherished gift cards, $5?

Sounds like a degrading stunt from The Magic Christian.

 

 

Australia is picking up the pace in the race to the bottom.

If only the promoters had taken a lesson from Apu and his "whacking day" promotion on The Simpsons.

2 hours ago, oznomad said:

Australia is picking up the pace in the race to the bottom.

Race to the bottom of what?

Silly promotional stunts at shopping centres?

8 hours ago, oznomad said:

Australia is picking up the pace in the race to the bottom.

M8.... That’s a bit harsh ..... admittedly, this was a dumb stuff and there is a surfeit of kiwis, but they do have the best fires.

 

maybe you meant Austria?

9 hours ago, oznomad said:

Australia is picking up the pace in the race to the bottom.

When parramatta Was any better?or different ?

On 12/24/2019 at 11:19 PM, snoop1130 said:

The safety of our customers, retail partners and people is our priority,” a spokeswoman said.

BS. The profit they make from those customers is their priority, IMO.

Edited December 25, 20196 yr by thaibeachlovers

12 hours ago, BestB said:

When parramatta Was any better?or different ?

The main feature of Parramatta is that it is on the way to the Blue Mountains. In my good old Bondi beach days.