A petition has been launched after an old woman was viciously trampled on during an evacuation in Westfield shopping centre, Stratford City.
Janet Gregory and her family (husband and two grandchildren) were enjoying a nice dinner when suddenly, shoppers in the well-known shopping centre threw themselves into complete panic, after a fire alarm was sounded.
Many people began running towards the exit, revealing a scene of chaos and mayhem. “I thought I heard someone scream and the next thing I know I cracked my head and landed on my back,” Janet explained.
Janet later went on to explain how she was knocked down, in utter shock, whilst people continued to stampede over her. She emphasised the anguish she felt at that moment and the blood dripping down her face. Her husband managed to help her up and they were able to find their grandchildren amongst a plethora of distraught people, running into a shop. Janet said that “the shop started to lock its doors so we banged on the window to get in.”
After this event, Janet’s daughter, Sarah Caulfield, 43, began a petition urging Westfield, Stratford City to improve its evacuation plan by making it more organised and clear.
The shopping centre has responded to this by stating “following any incident, we review our protocols and processes and listen to all relevant stakeholders, including our customers. We have been in contact with the family and would welcome an opportunity to explain how evacuations are dealt with by the centre and to listen to their views.”
Halimah Ali, Lister Community School
