Greensboro, N.C. – An unsanctioned event near South Eugene Street turned chaotic as a vehicle sped through the crowd, injuring eleven individuals in a hit and run incident. The event, which coincided with North Carolina A&T State University’s Aggie Fest, was not officially endorsed by the university, according to reports.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds
On March 29 around 7:21 p.m., Greensboro police responded to reports of a gathering near South Eugene Street. As officers attempted to disperse the crowd, a vehicle accelerated, striking multiple people as it fled the scene. Guilford County EMS treated seven individuals on-site, while six were transported to the hospital, two of whom sustained serious injuries including broken bones. Notably, four of the victims were students of NC A&T.
Organizer Accused of Prioritizing Profit Over Safety
In a news release, Greensboro Police Department accused the event organizers of prioritizing profit over safety. The police stated that the event lacked proper planning and attracted far more attendees than the location could safely accommodate, posing a significant public safety risk.
Lack of Security Measures
Contrary to expectations, Greensboro police did not provide security for the event as there was no formal contract or agreement with the organizers. While the organizers had requested traffic management assistance from a third-party vendor, Extra Duty Solutions, for off-duty officers, the request could not be fulfilled due to short notice and the Easter holiday weekend.
Continuing Investigation
The police are actively investigating the hit and run incident and are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward. Despite ongoing efforts to collaborate with local partners to ensure event safety, incidents like these highlight the need for stricter guidelines for unsanctioned events to protect the community.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Event Planning
The unfortunate events of March 29 underscore the importance of prioritizing safety in event planning. As Greensboro authorities work to hold event promoters accountable, there’s a pressing need for comprehensive safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The community must come together to ensure that events are organized responsibly, safeguarding the well-being of all participants. For the latest news updates, download The Local News App.
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