Stampede at PNP meeting - several injured

Two people were shot and more than 20 injured in an ensuing stampede at the People's National Party (PNP) mass meeting at Portia Simpson Miller Square, St Andrew, last night after several shots rang out.

The shots were fired shortly before the incumbent member of parliament for the area, Portia Simpson Miller, took to the podium to address the gathering.

Phillip Paulwell, PNP Region Three chairman, said one of the gunshot victims had to undergo surgery last night. He said 27 persons were injured. It is not sure who fired the gunshots.

Medical doctor Jephthah Ford, who was on the stage at the time of the shooting, said he assisted in treating persons on the scene.

"One woman had a dislocated shoulder and I assisted her. Two other people also fainted, and I was not able to revive them on the scene, they were taken to the hospital," he said. A concerned woman in the crowd handed her baby to Dr Ford after the shooting started.

At the end of the meeting, Simpson Miller thanked the police for their handling of the situation, and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.