Horror stampede sees 31 people, ‘including children’, crushed to death in church service – World News

A pregnant woman and three children are said to be among the victims at King’s Assembly Church in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

At least 31 people, including children, were crushed to death in a horrific stampede at a church service, local media said.

The tragic incident happened during an event at King’s Assembly Church in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

A pregnant woman and three children are said to be among the victims.

Hundreds of people who turned up to get food at the church early Saturday broke through a gate and caused the stampede, Rivers State Police spokeswoman Grace Iringe-Koko said.

“People were there earlier and some got impatient and started rushing, leading to a stampede. The police are monitoring the situation on the ground while the investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko said.

According to a witness, people arrived on Friday for the Saturday morning event, while others arrived as early as 6:30 a.m.

The start was supposed to be at 9am but a separate group arrived at 8am to use the space for a sports session and opened a small gate which the crowd stormed however.

The witness said Hit that most of the victims were taken to a nearby military hospital in Port Harcourt.

He said: “The incident happened this morning. The Church hosted its fourth edition of the distribution of food and gifts.

“Some came since Friday, while many others came as early as 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.

“The active athletes opened the small gate and the pushing crowd wanted to gain access through the small gate and was stamped on.

“I counted about 21 bodies on the ground.

“This is not the first time the Church has hosted this program, but the turnout from yesterday to this morning has been great.

“It was said that gift items and free food would be served. It’s very painful.”