Tragic crush at Brixton O2 Academy: Two dead, one critical after Asake concert chaos
Deadly Crowd Surge Rocks Afro-Pop Gig
On December 15, Afro-pop star Asake’s concert at Brixton O2 Academy was abruptly ended as a massive crowd pushed to enter the venue. The crush tragically claimed the lives of two young fans, Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, who died the following Saturday, and Gaby Hutchinson, 23, who passed two days later. A third victim remains critically ill in hospital.
Venue Faces Summary Licence Review
In response to the disaster, the Metropolitan Police requested a summary review of the venue’s premises licence. Notices confirming the review have been posted outside the O2 Academy. This urgent process allows local authorities to impose interim steps such as suspending, varying, or even revoking the venue’s licence to protect public safety while investigations continue.
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating incident in Brixton on Thursday night, and are working to support our communities in the aftermath of this tragedy,” Lambeth Council stated. “The venue is currently closed, and we are planning an urgent, in-depth review of its licence.”
Police Probe and Licensing Meeting Underway
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed detectives are investigating whether there is any criminal liability linked to the fatal crush. The Met submitted its review request to Lambeth local authority, triggering a licensing subcommittee hearing scheduled for Thursday to decide on immediate action.
The licensing committee can:
- Change licence conditions
- Exclude certain licensable activities
- Remove the designated premises supervisor
- Suspend the licence for up to three months
- Revoke the licence entirely
Community Mourns, Asake ‘Overwhelmed With Grief’
Fans and the local community remain devastated. Asake is reportedly “overwhelmed with grief” following the tragic loss. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in, including from the girlfriend of a brave Gravesend dog handler who stood firm to help stop further casualties during the crush.
The Academy Group, which owns the venue, has yet to comment on the incident as the investigation and reviews progress.
