Organizers of a London festival have issued an apology after multiple attendees were injured in a crowd crush incident. Videos circulated on social media captured the chaotic scene at Ghana Party in the Park in Barnet, north London, with guests struggling to free themselves from the surging crowd, some falling to the ground in distress.
Several individuals were hospitalized, while others sustained minor injuries. The festival organizers expressed deep regret over the unsettling situation, acknowledging the distress caused by the events. Witnesses recounted seeing injured individuals being carried on stretchers by medical personnel, with one attendee describing the festival as poorly organized and characterized by chaos.
In an official statement posted on the event’s Instagram page, the organizers extended sympathies to those affected, wishing the injured a swift recovery and offering support to their families and friends. Despite social media speculation about a stabbing incident, both the festival and the Metropolitan Police clarified that such claims were false. Following the crowd surge, the festival was shut down early on Saturday.
The statement also addressed misinformation circulating online, confirming that no stabbings or fatalities occurred during the event. Earlier in the day, a fire involving a vendor necessitated a temporary pause in activities, which resumed after emergency services resolved the situation. Subsequently, a crowd surge at the festival entrance led to multiple injuries, prompting the decision to end the event prematurely in the interest of public safety.
For over two decades, Ghana Party in the Park has celebrated Ghanaian culture and music in a safe and inclusive environment. This year’s event, held in partnership with ShattaFest, aimed to foster community spirit and provide a positive experience for thousands of attendees. Following the incident, the Barnet Metropolitan Police confirmed the cancellation of the event due to overcrowding issues at the entrance, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to several individuals.
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 individuals were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening conditions. The festival concluded early, and attendees dispersed without further incidents.
