MOSCOW, January 1 (Sputnik) — At least 35 have died and 42 have been hurt in a massive stampede in central Shanghai as China rang in the New Year, local media reported early Thursday.
The incident occurred in the city's historic Bund area right before midnight as the nation was preparing for the New Year countdown, according to Chinese financial editor and columnist George Chen.
"As a native of Shanghai, I believe this is the worst (very rare) stampede incident in Shanghai history in recent decades," George Chen said in a Twitter post.
Police reportedly had difficulties in controlling the flow of people to the popular waterfront area when the stampede began.
Large numbers of people were taken to Shanghai No.1 People's Hospital by ambulances after police had finally cordoned off the area where the deadly incident had taken place. They are now reported to be fully in control of the situation.
