Chaos erupted in London as crowds stormed barriers to access the New Year’s Eve fireworks, leaving security overwhelmed and safety in question
London: Last night, a wild scene unfolded as crowds rushed through barriers during the fireworks display. It was a bit of a free-for-all, with some calling it “Lawless London.”
Videos showed groups pushing past security on Victoria Street, just before the big show at Embankment. It was pretty chaotic, to say the least.
People were eager to get to the Thames for the fireworks, and it seemed like nothing could stop them. A witness shared that it felt dangerous, with folks shoving and jumping around without a care.
Despite the police presence, no one was arrested, which left many feeling uneasy. The footage showed a restless crowd, and even the marshals in their high-vis jackets struggled to keep things calm.
Then, out of nowhere, the crowd surged past staff and officers, racing to the riverbank. Tickets for the fireworks were pricey, up to £50, but it looked like many got in for free after breaking through.
The fireworks display was a dazzling affair, lasting over 10 minutes with a mix of lights and music from popular artists. It even paid tribute to the D-Day anniversary and celebrated the London Eye’s 25th birthday.
Still, it’s unclear what exactly triggered the stampede. It was definitely a night to remember, but not for the right reasons.