15 customers rushing to a sale promotion at a Shanghai supermarket were injured on Friday.

The Beijing-based Beijing News reported supermarket Shanghai Hymall, was holding a sale promotion on soybean oil at the time of the accident. The 5-litre oil was selling for 30.8 yuan, 20 yuan lower than the market price.

Many customers gathered at the store entrance before opening time and swarmed into the supermarket when the doors opened. During the disordered rush, a dozen customers fell to the ground and were trampled by others. The stampede lasted for five minutes. 

Police were immediately called and the 15 injured were sent to the hospital. Fortunately their injuries were not serious. The supermarket advanced payment of the medical bills on behalf of the injured customers. 

A supermarket manager surnamed Zhang said they didn't expect such a big crowd arriving during such a short time and admitted there were omissions in their work.

(CRI October 28, 2007)