Employee Trampled

Police say the employee was trampled as shoppers pushed to get into the Long Island Wal-Mart location just after 5:00 a.m. Friday. The 34-year-old man was “knock[ed] to the ground” as a “throng of shoppers … physically broke down the doors,” a police statement says. The man had been hired for the holidays via a temp agency. He was declared dead within the hour.

Miscarriage Caused

As for the pregnant woman, witnesses say she was knocked out and found on the ground in the same area. She was rushed to the hospital, where reports indicate she suffered a miscarriage as a result of the trauma. At least three other customers were also hurt.

Wal-Mart Death Investigation

The store was closed shortly after the stampede. Wal-Mart says it is working with Nassau County Police to review surveillance video and fully investigate the incident.

Cell phone video from the scene is below, along with a news report from moments after the trampling. More Wal-Mart stampede video follows beneath that. Please be advised that some of the images may be disturbing.

Past Wal-Mart Stampede Video

Some attorneys say they have handled numerous lawsuits involving injuries from Wal-Mart stampedes on Black Friday. Some speculate there are thousands such cases across the country every year. Most, they indicate, end with confidential settlements with the retailer.

This video, from another Wal-Mart location on a Black Friday morning, shows just how intense and chaotic major retailers’ opening moments can become as eager shoppers rush into the opening doors.

Wal-Mart’s official statement on the Long Island Black Friday death calls it a “tragic situation.”

“The safety and security of our customers and associates is our top priority,” the company says.

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