“People just died in my arms…” – Tonita Matthews (E2 Stampede Survivor)
21 killed, uncounted number injured in a stampede at the “E-2” club, located in the entertainment district of south Chicago.
According to authorities the E2 was operating illegally on Monday,17 February, as1,500 patrons partied in the dance hall above the Epitome restaurant, when pepper spray was used by club security to break up a fight between two women.
The stampede occurred. When fumes overwhelmed patrons, caused a general panic as everyone all at once tried to escape and were crushed behind within a male-led bottle-kneck leading to blocked exit doors.
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“The owner knows damn well that he was not to open that second floor and he has chosen to on at least one occasion, and that was last night,” stated an angry Chicago Fire Commissioner James Joyce.
As injured and dead alike were removed to an on-scene medical triage center and morgue. Officials verified that a court order was issued in July to close the second-floor club due to 11 building code violations that included unlicensed, undisputed construction and problems with the stairway and exit signs.
“Criminal contempt charges will be brought against the owner as soon as Tuesday.” stated Joyce. The building’s owner and liquor license holder have been identified, but a third party may have rented the space forth at evening. All were unavailable for comment and locations unknown.
Police investigators are reviewing videotape from high-tech cameras inside the club in an attempt to uncover exactly what happened. Police records show 80 incident reports involving the club since 2000, mostly fighting and similar.
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Friends and family combed area hospitals, and some were directed to the city’s morgue. A memorial of flowers and written prayers has appeared next to the club. A memorial to the partygoers that ended up senseless victims….12 women….9 men….Our Hearts Go Out To Them….
Heads up to Chicago City Emergency services who were on-scene in a heartbeat and handled the situation with professionalism and care.
As always HipHopDX will keep you abreast of developments.
