Second clubber dies after crush

A second woman has died after being crushed in a nightclub last month.

Laurene-Danielle Jackson, a 19-year-old student from Wembley, north London, died in hospital yesterday after being caught up in a rush for the exits at the Lava Ignite club in Northampton town centre on October 19, Northamptonshire Police said.

Nabila Nanfuka, a 22-year old student from Neasden, north London, also died from injuries sustained in the crush.

Ms Jackson was taken to Leicester's Glenfield Hospital after the incident in which revellers hurried for the exits after apparently being told their coaches home were leaving.

The pair had been among party-goers at the Wickedest Wickedest event, many of whom had travelled to the venue from out of town.

Eyewitnesses described revellers rushing for the exits following an announcement that coaches were leaving to take them home.

An inquest found that Ms Nanfuka, a leisure and tourism student, died from traumatic crush asphyxia at Northampton General Hospital on the day of the crush.

A 21-year old, who was also injured, was released from Northampton General Hospital last month.

Northampton Borough Council has temporarily suspended Lava & Ignite's licence while an investigation is carried out.

Meanwhile Luminar, which runs Lava & Ignite, Liquid and Oceana clubs throughout the UK, has appointed administrators. It is understood that Ernst & Young is continuing to run the business as a going concern while it seeks a buyer.

The firm employs 3,000 full and part-time staff and operates 75 venues across the country.

The leader elect of Northampton Borough Council today paid tribute to Ms Jackson.

Councillor David Mackintosh said: "It's terrible that a young woman with her whole life ahead of her should die in this way.

"My heart goes out to her family.

"We will continue to support Northamptonshire Police as they investigate the circumstances that have led now to two tragic deaths."

A full review of the nightclub's licence will take place on November 14, the council confirmed.

A statement from Luminar read: "Everyone at Lava Ignite is devastated to hear of the second tragic loss of life following the incident that occurred during the early hours of Wednesday 19th October at the Lava Ignite nightclub in Northampton.

"The club management and staff continue to co-operate fully with the local police to find out exactly what happened.

"Our thoughts are with the family of all those involved at this time."

PA