Durham Student dies after a queue 'crush' outside busy nightclub

A Durham University student has died following a crushing incident in a queue for a nightclub.

The 20-year-old female student reportedly became trapped under a barrier on Wednesday night after it toppled over when students who were waiting to get into the Missoula nightclub pushed forward.

Eyewitnesses have described serious overcrowding issues outside the nightclub with one man, only named as Jack, telling The Tab how it was “complete chaos” and said before the incident people were “telling the bouncers it wasn’t safe and someone was going to get hurt.”

An investigation into the unnamed students death has been launched and a post mortem examination is due to be carried out this afternoon to try to establish the cause, police have confirmed.

A spokesman for Durham Police said:

“Officers cordoned off the area, which was busy at the time, and an investigation was launched into the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. The area remains cordoned off and police staff are liaising with university staff and students.”

According to an eyewitness, a group of boys joined the queue shortly before 12am and began pushing other students, it was following this that the barrier reportedly fell over.

Police are investigating whether a barrier played a part in a 20 year old student’s death as people queued outside Missoula in Durham last night. pic.twitter.com/aSr5nHu8Qc

— Tom Wilkinson (@tommywilkinson) 8 February 2018

Desperate attempts were then made by the door staff to resuscitate the woman, who had received severe head injuries, but she sadly died at the scene.

Durham Uni student James Alder says busy clubs often put up barriers to deal with queuing students. pic.twitter.com/sRFnyr8hL9

— Tom Wilkinson (@tommywilkinson) 8 February 2018

In a statement Owen Adams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said:

“We are extremely shocked and saddened by the death of a Durham University student in Durham City last night.

“We are offering support to students and staff.

“Our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We are unable to comment further on what is an ongoing Police investigation.”

Durham students who are affected by this tragic death can contact the University Counselling Service on 0191 334 2200.