Gun scare triggers stampede at Philadelphia’s Roots Fest; 5 hurt
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Roots perform during the annual Roots Picnic at the Mann Center in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park on Saturday. Police say a rumor of a person with a gun triggered a stampede that injured five people.
PHILADELPHIA >> Police say a rumor of a person with a gun triggered a stampede at a Philadelphia music festival that injured five people.
Police say someone in the crowd at the Roots Picnic at the Mann Music Center mentioned a weapon at about 6:30 p.m., and people began fleeing.
Police said four people had minor injuries and a fifth had a broken leg. They were transported to hospitals. The show continued within an hour, but some who fled decided not to return.
Event sponsor LiveNation said a medical issue triggered the stampede. One of the people providing security, Jamaal Smith, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that a brawl involving five to seven people in front of the stage triggered the panic. Police say no weapon was found and no arrests were made.
