Good ’ol Black Friday

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Worker dies during Wal-Mart shopper stampede in N.Y.

By COLLEEN LONG

Associated Press 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
today, 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.