Durham nightclub security tried desperately to save life of injured customer
Durham England Feb 12 2018 Olivia, a 20-year-old student at Durham University, was outside Missoula nightclub in the city centre when she became trapped under a fence.
The undergraduate, from Hampshire, suffered a “serious head injury” which left her bleeding heavily on Wednesday night.
A metal barrier collapsed and fell on top of Olivia, leaving her struck underneath as “people just piled on top of her”, according to horrified eyewitnesses.
Authorities say that the security doormen desperately tried to resuscitate her and paramedics arrived to give emergency treatment, but she sadly died at the scene.
Police, who were called to the scene at 11.53pm last night, have launched an investigation into circumstances leading up to her death.
Her parents Pauline and Nigel, from Milford on Sea, are said to be traveling to Durham before a post-mortem takes place.
Distressed witnesses there was “complete chaos” outside the club and “blood everywhere” after the barrier “toppled over”.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “They were queuing to get in, my friend was in the queue. There was a metal barrier that they put at the front to stop people coming in.
“They stopped people at the front of the queue from coming in because it was so busy inside, but the people at the back didn’t know and kept pushing and one of the barriers fell.
“The girl was stuck under it and people just piled up on top of her. My friend was pulling people off her but there were too many.
“There were too many people and he couldn’t get them off her. My friend said he knew she was not going to make it out alive.”
Police guard the scene outside Missoula nightclub in Durham due to a possible crushing incident outside the club
Other witnesses have described scenes of panic with some accusing revellers of “barging to get in” the club in Walkergate area of the city.
Another witness said: “As they pushed to get in it caused the fence to fall over. The girl was trapped under the fence and crushed.
“There was a fair bit of panic. A security man at the nightclub ran toward her and took his shirt off to stem the bleeding from her head.
“She had lost consciousness and he started giving CPR and was helped by other doormen until the ambulance arrived.
“There were about 600 people inside the club.”
Durham Police have confirmed a 20-year-old woman died after suffering “serious injuries” near the Missoula night club.
A spokesperson said: “Ambulance crews assisted by police officers attended to the casualty but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
A post mortem examination is expected to take place today to establish the cause of death.
North East Ambulance Service confirmed it received a report of a “serious head injury” at 11.50pm.
Missoula is described as a smart chain pub with a cocktail list, a classic British menu and uncluttered contemporary decor online.
The club promotes their Wednesday night as the “biggest student night in Durham”.
A spokesman for the club said: “A full investigation has been launched, working with the Police and the company who provide our door staff, to fully understand what led to this terrible accident.
“Until that is concluded we are unable to comment further. Our thoughts are with the young lady’s family and friends.”
