Friday, August 9, 2013 - Event Planners for Korean cell phone manufacturer LG Electronics failed to do a thorough risk analysis for a promotional stunt and twenty people ended-up injured, with seven being sent to the hospital.
It idea was to release helium-filled balloons in an open park, and each balloon would have a voucher that could be redeemed for a new smart phone that was valued at KRW 950,000 Korean Won (~$851 US). Enthusiastic attendees planned their assaults on the balloons in advance and arrived at the event with sharp sticks, BB Guns, and knives on poles. The ensuing melee after 100 balloons were launched was a disaster when greed over-took common sense.
"LG Electronics deeply regrets that a number of Korean participants were injured during an outdoor promotional event in Seoul, [South] Korea," a statement from the firm said.
"We can confirm that seven participants were hospitalised and, although none of the injuries were serious, LG takes full responsibility for the unfortunate situation and has offered to cover all related medical expenses.
"LG is investigating the incident to ensure that such an occurrence can be avoided in the future."
The company added that other planned events had been called-off because of concerns for attendees safety.
One regional TV channel has dubbed the event "World War G" - a comparison to the film World War Z in which zombies scramble over each other to climb over a wall. The new phone is a model G2.
Phone: Smart.
Event Planner: Not so smart.
Never underestimate the motivational power of of greed.
It idea was to release helium-filled balloons in an open park, and each balloon would have a voucher that could be redeemed for a new smart phone that was valued at KRW 950,000 Korean Won (~$851 US). Enthusiastic attendees planned their assaults on the balloons in advance and arrived at the event with sharp sticks, BB Guns, and knives on poles. The ensuing melee after 100 balloons were launched was a disaster when greed over-took common sense.
"LG Electronics deeply regrets that a number of Korean participants were injured during an outdoor promotional event in Seoul, [South] Korea," a statement from the firm said.
"We can confirm that seven participants were hospitalised and, although none of the injuries were serious, LG takes full responsibility for the unfortunate situation and has offered to cover all related medical expenses.
"LG is investigating the incident to ensure that such an occurrence can be avoided in the future."
The company added that other planned events had been called-off because of concerns for attendees safety.
One regional TV channel has dubbed the event "World War G" - a comparison to the film World War Z in which zombies scramble over each other to climb over a wall. The new phone is a model G2.
Phone: Smart.
Event Planner: Not so smart.
Never underestimate the motivational power of of greed.
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