Two dead and several hurt in ‘stampede’ at St Patrick’s Day teen disco in Northern Ireland as cops tell parents ‘collect your kids immediately’

TWO people have died and several others have been hurt in a “stampede” in the car park of the Greenvale Hotel in Northern Ireland which was holding a St Patrick’s Day teen disco.

Dozens of young people are said to have been caught up in the panic as they were enjoying a party at the hotel in Co Tyrone at around 9.30pm today.

Four people have been taken to hospital and several have crush injuries.

Dozens more have been treated for cuts, bruises and shock, according to reports.

Cops have urged parents to contact their children and collect them “immediately”.

An unnamed source told Belfast Live: “Police have asked parents of teenagers and young people at the party tonight to make their way to Cookstown so they can collect their loved ones.

“A number of young people have suffered severe injuries and are being taken to hospital for emergency care. Our thoughts are with them and their families.

“This is a desperate situation on what should have been a fantastic night. It will be memorable for all the wrong reasons now.”

A source added: “A lot of people had congregated outside the Greeenvale and there was a lot of carry on but suddenly all hell broke loose and there was a big panic. People were running all over the place.

“We were trying to get away. Someone was doing CPR on someone on the ground.”

ACC Mark Hamilton said: “I can confirm there are 2 fatalities at this stage and a small no of other casualties. Parents are asked to collect children from Family and Friends reception at Glenavon Hotel.”

He continued: “At this stage the cause of the incident is unknown however police have commenced a full investigation into the circumstances.

“While the exact cause of the incident is still unknown, there are reports of a crush at the scene.”

Chief Insp Graham Dodds said: “The St Patrick’s event is now over and I would appeal to parents to make contact with their children and collect them immediately.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they had received several calls on Sunday evening following reports of a number of people having sustained serious injuries.

The service said: “NIAS despatched two Rapid Response Paramedics, two doctors and five emergency crews to the scene.

“Three patients have been taken, by ambulance, to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment for various injuries and another to Craigavon Area Hospital.”