Italy: Several Minors Dead in Nightclub Stampede

Italian authorities are reporting that six people have died and some 100 others injured following a nightclub stampede Saturday.

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Reports are that a substance similar to pepper spray was released in the Lanterna Azzurra venue, causing panic and a subsequent stampede, according to Italian fire officials and ANSA news agency.

"Team's engaged in rescue in a disco. Perhaps because of the dispersal of a stinging substance, boys flee by panic trampling. There are unfortunately those who died, dozens injured," a local fire crew tweeted. 

#Corinaldo (AN) # 8dic , in the clip the dramatic intervention of the # vigilidelfuoco in the disco where the lives of very young people were lost.

Among the deceased are five minors – three girls, two boys – and one woman, who were attending a concert at the disco in Corinaldo, police chief Oreste Capocasa disclosed.

At least a dozen of the injured people – who were transported to hospitals in Senigallia and Ancona - are in serious condition. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

#Corinaldo (AN) # 8dic 1:00, teams # vigilidelfuoco engaged in rescue in a disco.

One of the clubs emergency exits was discovered locked, ANSA said, citing a concertgoer, who attempted to flee the club. Authorities are reportedly investigating the allegation.

Italian rapper Sfera Ebbasta was headlining the venue which had some 2,000 patrons at the time of the incident, the Irish Sun said.