Several injured after gunshots cause stampede at concert in Mexico's drug-plagued north

[News_Editor]

Several injured after gunshots cause stampede at concert in Mexico's drug-plagued north

2010-10-26 02:42:32 GMT+7 (ICT)

MONTERREY, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- Ten people were injured, including seven people suffering from shock, when hundreds of people fled in panic after gunshots were fired during a concert in northern Mexico on Sunday, officials said on Monday.

The incident happened around 7 p.m. local time at the Municipal Palace of Monterrey in the country's Neuvo Leon state, where a concert was being held. Witnesses said the crowd erupted in panic when gunshots were heard.

As at least three gunshots were heard, the band's lead singer screamed: "Everybody to the ground!" In response, hundreds of people desperately fled the scene as they feared a shooting attack.

The stampede went on for several streets, where shop owners quickly locked their doors with customers inside. Some people in the area joined the fleeing crowd without knowing what had happened.

Fortunately, only three people people sustained minor injuries while seven others went into a shock. One of the injured included an elderly man who was seen with a bloodied face after falling and being stepped on.

Accounts of the incident vary, but according to witnesses, a dark-colored truck stopped at a nearby street. An individual carrying a pistol then exited the vehicle and opened fire at Municipal Palace.

SWAT, police teams and military personnel quickly arrived at the scene to provide assistance, but the gunman was not immediately found.

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