Organizers of a festival in London have issued an apology after multiple attendees were injured during a crush at the event. Disturbing videos circulating on social media captured the chaos at Ghana Party in the Park in Barnet, north London, as guests struggled to escape the surging crowd. Several individuals were hospitalized, while others sustained minor injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing injured individuals being carried away on stretchers by medical personnel. An 18-year-old attendee described the situation as “very chaotic” and criticized the festival’s organization.
In an official statement posted on the festival’s Instagram page, the organizers expressed their deep regret over the incident and extended their sympathies to those affected. They emphasized their support for the injured individuals and their families, wishing them a speedy recovery.
Contrary to social media rumors, both the festival and the Metropolitan Police confirmed that there was no stabbing incident. Following the crowd surge, the festival was shut down early on Saturday. The organizers clarified that there were no stabbings or fatalities at the event.
The statement also addressed a temporary pause in the festival earlier in the day due to a fire involving a vendor. Emergency services responded promptly to the fire, and normal operations resumed once the situation was under control. Later, a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in injuries, prompting the decision to end the event early in the interest of public safety.
Ghana Party in the Park, a celebration of Ghanaian culture and music, has been a staple event for over two decades, promoting a safe and inclusive environment. This year’s event was held in collaboration with ShattaFest.
In response to the incident, the Barnet Metropolitan Police confirmed that several individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the overcrowding issue at the festival entrance. A total of 23 people received assistance from emergency services or the event medical team, with nine individuals assessed by the London Ambulance Service. Three people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening conditions, and the event concluded without further issues.