In St Patrick’s Day party at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, two people died and another two people treated in the hospital, among whom one’s condition is critical. There had been reports of a crush at the scene at about 9.30pm.
The hotel was hosting a party for young people to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Emergency services respond after the serious incident and all were asked to leave.
Police said that, there were a “small number” of other casualties following the incident at the Greenvale Hotel, while the exact circumstances were still unknown and under investigation
“Family members of all four people have been informed,” the force said. “Our thoughts are with everyone involved. The police investigation is continuing.”
The force’s assistant chief constable, Mark Hamilton, said: “While the exact cause of the incident is still unknown, there are reports of a crush at the scene. At this stage, the cause of the incident is unknown. However, police have commenced a full investigation into the circumstances.”
The Democratic Unionist party leader, Arlene Foster, tweeted that her “thoughts and prayers” were “with everyone impacted by this tonight”.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said on Sunday night: “We are monitoring the situation closely and echo the PSNI appeal to parents to make contact with their children and collect them immediately from the venue.”
Emma Heatherington, whose two sons, aged 17 and 18, had been at the event, said she “felt sick” when she saw the police appeal.
“My two boys were there so I rang them, shaking and thankfully got them both,” she said.
The Northern Ireland ambulance service (NIAS) said they had received several calls on Sunday evening following reports of people having sustained serious injuries.
The ambulance service said: “NIAS despatched two rapid response paramedics, two doctors and five emergency crews to the scene. Three patients have been taken, by ambulance, to Antrim Area hospital for treatment for various injuries and another to Craigavon Area hospital.”
>Juthy Saha
