Student Killed And Two Hurt In Nightclub Crush

A young woman has been killed in a crush at a nightclub after a fire alarm apparently prompted a stampede for the exit.

University student Nabila Nanfuka, 22, from north west London, died after the incident at Northampton's Lava & Ignite club.

Eyewitness James Adetula, 21, from London, said the crush happened when a fire alarm went off causing people to rush for the doors.

Northamptonshire Police said two other women were taken to Northampton General Hospital with crush injuries and remain in a critical condition.

Mr Adetula said: "It was a normal event, like a club night, obviously it just ended not the way everyone expected it to end.

"It was 'everybody the coaches are leaving, make your way to the exits', so everyone went for the exits.

"Then next minute the fire alarm went off and everyone started panicking. There was more than how many was supposed to be in there, it reached over-capacity.

"There was obviously a stampede of people in there when the fire alarm went off."

Describing Miss Nanfuka, who was studying at Northampton University, he said: "My heart is not settled because the person who passed away was a dear friend.

"She was a good girl, a really good girl. She wasn't a trouble-maker."

Speaking later at a news conference, Northants Superintendent Andy Cox said police were still investigating the cause of the rush towards the exit.

"It appears that the fatality and injuries were caused by crushing. We are working very closely with the nightclub to establish exactly what's happened. We send our deepest sympathies to families and friends."

"We are treating this as an isolated incident," he said, as he appealed for witnesses to come forward.

"We do know there were a large amount of people in attendance at the club.

"We obviously want to encourage anybody at the club or with information as to what has happened - perhaps they have recorded it on their mobile phone or have video footage - to contact us."

The number to call is: 0800 096 0095 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .