December 17, (THEWILL) – The Metropolitan Police have renewed their appeal concerning the unfortunate demise of Afrobeats fans during a concert headlined by Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake.
On December 15, 2022, during his performance at the O2 Brixton Academy in the United Kingdom, the event took a tragic turn as a 33-year-old, mother-of-two and a 23-year-old security worker, Gaby Hutchinson, lost their lives due to fatal injuries.
This occurred when ticketless fans attempted to forcibly enter the concert, resulting in a stampede. One year after the tragic incident, the then 22-year-old female victim continues to be hospitalised in serious condition.
In response, the Police have released images of 13 individuals they aim to identify, seeking their connection to the deadly crush at the O2 Academy Brixton a year ago.
Detective Chief Inspector, Nigel Penney, emphasised the persistent dedication of law enforcement in uncovering the intricacies surrounding the tragic incident. He expressed sincere gratitude for the support received from the community and various stakeholders during the ongoing investigation.
Penney, urged the individuals identified in the released images to come forward, underlining the significant role they may play by providing crucial information that could aid in understanding and resolving the circumstances of the incident at the O2 Academy Brixton.
Penney said, “We remain focused on establishing exactly what happened that tragic evening, how Rebecca and Gaby came to lose their lives and why a young woman remains in hospital in a very serious condition a year later.
“We owe it to the families who have been left heartbroken and with many unanswered questions to establish the truth about what happened to their loved ones and continue to follow the evidence where it takes us, without fear or favour.
“There were thousands of people at the venue that evening and today I am releasing images of 13 individuals, I would like to speak to as I believe they have vital information. I urge them to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Penney went on to appeal to attendees of the Asake concert, encouraging them to share any footage they might possess. He underscored the significance of community collaboration in providing closure for the grieving families. The police maintain their unwavering commitment to following the evidence and uncovering the truth surrounding that fateful evening.
In a subsequent concert at the renowned O2 Arena in London in August 2023, Asake paid tribute to the victims of the stampede. This solemn moment featured a poignant poem composed and recited by performance artist Aina More.
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