Shoppers hurt in Christmas crowd crush
Shocking video has captured the moment a crowd of shoppers rushed to grab free gifts in a balloon drop at Westfield Parramatta overnight, injuring at least three people.
Police were called to the shopping centre in western Sydney just after midnight after reports a number of people had been injured in a crowd rush, a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed to news.com.au.
#BREAKING: A nightmare before Christmas.
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) December 23, 2019
Eager shoppers gathering at a Westfield in Sydney's west for a balloon drop - filled with prizes - when it turned into a Christmas crushing. #9Today pic.twitter.com/DlnvxlzQxH
At least three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries and taken to Westmead Hospital for further treatment.
It is understood 100 to 150 shoppers had gathered below the balloon-drop event held to kick off a 36-hour non-stop shopping spree leading up to Christmas. The balloons contained free gifts.
"Once the balloons were released the crowd rushed towards them, causing people to get knocked over and injured," the police spokesperson said.
There will be no ongoing police investigation.
