The tragic incident occurred at around 1:00 am local time on Saturday.
A 15-year-old boy is suspected of involuntary manslaughter and causing bodily harm, youth crime court prosecutor Giovanna Leboroni said in a press conference in Ancona, as quoted by Italian news agency ANSA.
However, the strength of the evidence against the suspect “has all yet to be seen”, Leboroni added, sounding very cautious about the development.
It’s suggested the teenager may have caused the stampede by firing pepper spray in the crowded club, although it’s uncertain whether he caused the wave of panic and prosecutors are currently investigating other possible causes.
Ancona Chief Prosecutor Monica Garulli said seven others are also under investigation: four owners of the venue and three businesspeople who ran it.
Investigators are also looking into whether the club sold more tickets to the event than the venue could hold.
More than 1000 people, predominantly teenagers, were inside the Lanterna Azzurra club, in the town of Corinaldo, in Marche, attending a concert by Italian rapper Sfera Ebbasta.
The concert was yet to commence when an “acrid smell” forced crowds to rush towards the emergency exits, one of which was reportedly blocked.
Railings soon gave way under the pressure and people began tumbling over the barrier.
Five of the victims – two girls and three boys – were between 14 and 16 years old.
The sixth victim was a 39-year-old woman who had accompanied her 11-year-old daughter to the concert.
