A chaotic crowd surge at Afro-pop star Asake’s concert at the Brixton O2 Academy on December 15 ended in tragedy. Two fans, Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and Gaby Hutchinson, 23, died after being crushed in the crowd. A third victim remains in critical condition following the incident.
In response to the tragedy, the Metropolitan Police have called for an urgent summary review of the venue’s premises licence by Lambeth Council. Notices have been posted outside the O2 Academy to signal the start of this emergency process.
A summary review is a fast-tracked examination of a venue’s licence triggered by serious crime or disorder. This process allows authorities to impose interim measures such as suspending the licence, altering its terms, or revoking it before a full investigation is completed.
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating incident in Brixton and are working to support our communities in the aftermath of this tragedy,” said Lambeth Council in a statement.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed that detectives are investigating the fatal crowd crush to determine whether criminal charges should be brought. The police stated: “We submitted a summary review application to Lambeth local authority on Tuesday.”
Lambeth Council will hold an urgent hearing on Thursday to decide on immediate actions regarding the venue’s licence.
Asake, who had to stop his gig amid the chaos, expressed that he is “overwhelmed with grief” over the deaths of his fans. The tragedy has deeply affected the music community and raised urgent questions about safety at live events.
The O2 Academy remains closed as Lambeth Council prepares a thorough review of the venue’s licence and safety arrangements. The venue’s owner, the Academy Group, has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond.
Originally published by UKNIP.
