SYDNEY CROWD STAMPEDE IN STORE TO BUY FIREWORKS

Grey River Argus, 24 May 1947, Page 6

SYDNEY CROWD STAMPEDE IN STORE TO BUY FIREWORKS

(Rec. 7.35) SYDNEY, May 23. Frightened children and fainting women figured in an amazing scene here to-day when a crown of three thousand people stormed the fireworks counter of a Sydney store. The employees sent a frantic call for the police, and six burly policemen, under an inspector, struggled to restore order. Fearing for the safety of children who were jammed against the walls, the police inspector condoned off the entire floor, and he ordered that those children who were in danger should be passed over the heads of the crowd. Eighteen wohen, who had fainted, were treated in the first aid room of the store. Nearly two hours before the store was opened, thousands or children, who were after fireworks, for. Empire Day to-morrow packed the streets outside. When the store was opened, a stampede began for the fireworks department on the third floor. Police were still on duty at 11 a.m. when the last of the fireworks were sold, and the crowd dispersed.