BLOOMINGTON, IN – It was a violent day at the Switchyard Park Pavilion as shoppers trampled one another as they fought to take advantage of a season kick-off sale.
Bloomington Winter Farmers’ Market vendors offered buy one get one free for all items to boost interest in the annual grand opening of the indoor goods exchange.
The market features local meats, produce, and plants along with hosting artists for live music and crafting.
However, the scene turned ugly when the pavilion capacity was reached and additional customers wanted access to the generous deals.
“I looked up and saw so many people trying to push their way inside,” said Sally Montgomery. “Once the entrances were breached, panic set in and it was every man and woman for themselves.”
The stampede caused dozens of attendees to fall to the floor and be trampled by the mob of deal-hungry patrons.
“We were so scared,” said mother of two Kim Sung. “My kids were screaming and I begged people to take them as I felt myself being pulled down under the swarm of mindless maniacs.”
The vendors and staff realized the dire situation and called off the sale as they tried to pull their products from the clutches of the witless lunatics.
The efforts were too late as ultimately at least eight of those shopping that day were left with injuries ranging from serious to critical.
Market administrators have suspended the event indefinitely and pledged to never again offer discounts so deep that people lose their minds and become indifferent to their fellow shopper.
Limestone Ledger 
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