Thousands converged at the Christianburg Hard Court where the Linden leg of the Mashramani parade ended. Persons were enjoying the live entertainment of the Mingles band when around 7:30 pm as revellers were bouncing to QQ and Ding Dong’s hit song “Skip to ma Lu”, the old bleachers collapsed. Over one hundred persons including women, children and babies were on the structure at the time.
Several persons sustained minor injuries. 35-year-old Natasha Anthony of 58 Garnett Street, Kitty, however, sustained serious injuries to her right hand and the right side of her back. Everyone feared the worst for 10-year-old Cleveland Daniels, who was unconscious after being pinned by several planks. He regained consciousness while at the LHC.
When Stabroek News visited Daniels and Anthony at the LHC, they were awaiting further examination. Anthony said that she is originally from Linden but had relocated to Georgetown. “I came up for the Mash and to be with my kids”, she said, breaking into tears as she expressed concern about the fate of a relative who was with her, and had a young baby in her hands.
The incident brought an abrupt end to the celebration at the Christianburg location and persons returned home. However, scores of persons continued their fun along Burnham Drive. All activities along Burnham Drive were subsequently shut down by the police. (Cathy Richards)
