Wal-Mart worker dies after shoppers knock him down - Yahoo! News

Wal-Mart worker dies after shoppers knock him down
By COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press Writer Colleen Long, Associated Press
Writer 1 hr 5 mins ago
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.