A number of Beyoncé fans were injured in a stampede after camping outside Manchester Arena for tickets to her Mrs. Carter Show world tour.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the police were called to the venue on Friday (February 22) after a number of people stormed the box office when tickets went on general sale on Saturday, causing a crush.
A fan who shared her experience said,“I stayed in the tunnel outside the arena to avoid being crushed when all hell broke loose at about 5am. Men were ripping open fire doors that were locked. Once opened, they fought to get through one side of a double door. Children were getting crushed and screaming. It was horrible. By far the worst night of my life.”
Another fan said, “It was really horrible. It was intimidating and frightening, one of the scariest nights of my life. These men were smoking drugs, they were so aggressive and more and more turned up into the night. They were pushing in and drinking. We were all so excited about seeing Beyonce, we love her, but this was more like a nightmare.”
A spokesman for the police who commented on the incident said, “Since the Beyoncé dates were announced two weeks ago we strongly advised all customers not to travel to the venue box office as tickets could not be guaranteed due to the anticipated high demand.
“Unfortunately, when we opened our doors at 5.30am what had been an orderly queue immediately stormed the box office windows causing a potential crush.”
They continued: “Despite the best efforts of our stewards and security staff we had to involve British Transport Police in an attempt to restore order. Even then the safety of genuine fans could not be guaranteed and, following police advice, the box office remained closed.”