Wal-Mart worker dies after shoppers knock him down

[Goldeneye]

By COLLEEN LONG – 3 hours ago

NEW YORK (AP) — A worker died after being trampled by a throng of unruly shoppers when a suburban Wal-Mart opened for the holiday sales rush Friday, authorities said.

At least three other people were injured.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in Bentonville, Ark., would not confirm the reports of a stampede but said a "medical emergency" had caused the company to close the store, which is in Valley Stream on Long Island.

Nassau County police said the 34-year-old worker was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 6 a.m., an hour after the store opened. The cause of death was not immediately known.

A police statement said shortly after 5 a.m., a throng of shoppers "physically broke down the doors, knocking (the worker) to the ground." Police also said a 28-year-old pregnant woman was taken to a hospital for observation and three other shoppers suffered minor injuries and were also taken to hospitals.

The dead worker's name was not released.

"Local authorities are looking into the situation," said Wal-Mart representative Dan Fogleman. But he said it would be "inappropriate for me to share any additional information" until authorities investigate further.

Shoppers around the country lined up early outside stores in the annual bargain hunting ritual known as Black Friday. Many stores open early and stay open late. The Valley Stream Wal-Mart usually opens at 9 a.m.

[carl stromberg]

I heard about this too - what a bunch of animals!

[katied]

I heard about it too-all that came to my mind was W.T.F. Apparently paramedics were having a hard time trying to save him because there were people walking around where he was.They just didn't care.It's shocking.

[Dr. No]

I am more than ashamed of this. good god a man lost his life! for what a d**n sale! This shouldn't happne and we shouldn't feel so calloused to it.
This is not theonly one of these stoires from the weekend. there were several tramplings and 1 or 2 shooting. Including one in ToyRUs.

What the hell has happened to people? The shoppers at the walmart were told they'd have to shut down because of the death scoffed at it and telling emergency workers that they were in line since yesterday and were not leaving they just continued their shopping.

[katied]

They interviewed a few people who said they wouldn't do the showing up early thing again, because of the trampling.

The shoppers being all "whatever!" when they were told that someone died was WAY past callous.

[Dr. No]

A guy died. when I first heard about I assumed it was the 90 yearold WWI vets they use as greeters. This was a young man and it took lot to kill him and lot of people to stepping on him.