Claims of lack of medical support during Brixton crush tragedy

Only half the recommended number of medical staff were on duty on the night of a crush at the O2 Brixton Academy, it has been claimed.

The BBC reports that it contacted the medical cover provider for the evening in question (15 December) after being approached by insiders. They were told that five medics were working at the time despite industry guidelines suggesting there should have been at least 10. No paramedics or nurses were present.

Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, died in hospital following the crush in the foyer of the building.

The venue is currently closed for a period of three months after a decision in January by Lambeth’s licensing subcommittee following a request from the Metropolitan Police, which is investigating the incident.