Sydney mall stunt offering prize-filled balloons goes wrong as shoppers hurt in rush for prizes

This article is more than 8 months old

This article is more than 8 months old

Five people have been taken to hospital after a pre-Christmas balloon drop at a Sydney shopping centre caused a dangerous crowd crush.

Police say a number of people were knocked over and injured when the crowd surged as the prize-filled balloons were released during Westfield Parramatta’s “mega balloon drop” at midnight.

“They were at that location to grab balloons as they were released and apparently the balloons had small gifts inside,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Paramedics treated 12 shoppers at the scene and five people were taken to hospital, according to NSW Ambulance.

Sunrise (@sunriseon7) A Christmas balloon drop at Westfield Parramatta in Sydney has descended into chaos overnight with seven people taken to hospital after being crushed. More on this story: https://t.co/DrkvYujHqr pic.twitter.com/3OSbSlYqkz

Inspector Phil Templeman said they were responding to reports that the balloon drop “caused a stamped of people to hustle for the prizes”.

“Three of the transported patients had more serious issues including traumatic chest injuries, neck and back pain as well as nausea and dizziness,” Insp Templeman said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said it was “incredibly lucky” that no one was more seriously injured.

“As we go into the busy holiday period and many of our shopping centres become crowded with people, we urge the community to be patient and ensure the safety of themselves and those around them,” he said.

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Westfield had been promoting the balloon drop as part of a 33-hour non-stop shop.

Shopping centre owner Scentre Group said their team acted swiftly to support customers, contact emergency services and make the area safe.

“Our team are continuing to speak with affected customers directly,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“We will continue to look into the circumstances surrounding last night’s incident.”