The Royal Darwin Show; a place of wonder and magic, turned into a horror show last night, when a stumbling bleeding teenager emerged from a melee of fighting.
News of the stabbing first emerged on the Action for Alice Facebook page with little regard for vetting information; much to the frustration of readers contacting The Mango Inquirer for what really happened.
Publishing claims that someone had died, with little regard to the ensuing hysteria; our page corrected their post within 15 minutes of appearing; centralising sensible conversation, but the chaos and confusion of worried parents had already been sowed.
In the comments section of our post last night, questions were soon asked of how security was managed at the show entrances, with multiple claims by ticket holders that no searching was going on when they went through, and another saying everyone was being checked at their entry point.
One reader highlighted a post by the Darwin Show which warned the general public to expect delays, due to “enhanced security measures” at entry points.
A commenter shared: “Bags definitely were not being checked when we went through” with another responding “we had our bags checked at around 5ish”.
Other comments included: “Security guards had wands (metal detectors) when we went but they weren’t used once while we were in line at all” and “I waited at the gate inside for my friend and watched people walking in no one was getting checked no even just the random odd person, I had a double pram I never got checked or my bags.”
One reader highlighted: “So maybe the people in your lineup didnt look like they were a risk. Its not possible to check every single person.”
Many comments defended the work of security and police, and questioned how realistic it was to prevent every knife getting in, or person to be searched.
The Mango Inquirer does not criticise individual security on the ground; in fact two guards appear to intervene in the 19 second video clip we’ve been getting inboxed all day.
We do question the risk assessment done on the event; the planning and directions given to the security on the ground at the entry points; whether reasonable attention to duty of care was followed to reduce the likelihood of such an incident; and whether the Royal Darwin Show – likely to attract the largest number of young people and families in the Top End – was promoted with an unrealistic safety message by organisers.
We aren’t pointing fingers or naming names; so if you work in the security industry or think you have the answer to solve crime in the Top End; do not get your knickers in a knot – we’re entitled to scrutinise and ask these questions.
The NT Police reported last night at 10.50pm that a 15-year-old youth was arrested after a serious assault at the Royal Darwin Show.
A media statement read: “Around 8:20pm, police received reports that a 15-year-old male had assaulted another 15-year-old male with a knife at the showgrounds after an altercation.
“Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where he currently remains in a stable condition.
“The alleged offender fled the scene, with police arresting him a short time later at a residence in Palmerston.
“He has now been charged with Recklessly endanger life and Possess, carry, use a controlled weapon.
“The 15-year-old remains in custody awaiting a bail review.”
Police are still urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference P25199834.
We’ll finish the story with thoughts for the recovering youth from a commenter on our page: “I want to extend healing wishes and a full recovery to the young person stabbed and strength to those around the young fell to deal with this traumatic event.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the show and feel so grateful to not be involved. Very sorry a family is going through this awfulness.”
We are The Mango Inquirer.
