NEW YORK – 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.
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This is so sad that people would act in such a manner they have put a new meaning to black friday at this walmart store. Your thoughts?-----
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6 comments
  1. Deborah Lambson November 28, 2008 at 12:46 PM  

    how utterly senseless is that! I wouldn't go near those sales if you offered free merchandise..I can't imagine even being in the back of a crowd where something went that badly. You'd still feel responsible.

  2. The Fitness Diva November 28, 2008 at 9:58 PM  

    wow. How horrific and sad. What the hell has happened to people? This poor person only figured to be getting some extra work hours in, and ends up getting killed for it.
    Crazy. Absolutely crazy. And who could they hold accountable? ? ?

  3. steven wilson November 28, 2008 at 10:22 PM  

    @sweetwater designs
    Yes this is such a tragedy,and if one where in the crowd they would have to feel somehow responsible.
    @diva
    This is a so sad to think that this man was trying to earn some extra christmas cash to spend on his own family,and is killed by senseless holiday shoppers.I just read where two men in a toys r us in california shot each other dead while in an argument in the store.What has this hoiliday season became?

  4. Anonymous November 30, 2008 at 7:55 AM  

    geeez.. I can't believe it.. People are real animals sometimes...And what is pregnant woman doing there??? She should think about her baby and take care.. I think they should hire a bunch of security people for such events because those events are practically riots.. I feel sorry for the guy..

  5. Allure December 1, 2008 at 10:47 AM  

    That is shocking. Are they having a sale that day? Why did the shoppers get so excited to go into the store?

  6. steven wilson December 1, 2008 at 6:28 PM  

    Hi Allure
    It was the black friday sale where the stores put certain sought after items on deep discounts for one day only.It is a mad house to attend this,and I stay far away from them.

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