LOS ANGELES : 4 Hurt in Crush of Crowd at Faith-Healing Service

Four people were injured Friday when people who were trying to get into a faith-healing service at the Shrine Auditorium surged forward and crushed them against the auditorium walls, officials said.

Three of the injured were treated at the scene, and one woman, who suffered heat-related trauma, was taken to California Hospital, where she was in stable condition, said city Fire Department spokesman Mike Little.

The crowds came to see faith healer Benny Hinn, who arrived late to the 2 p.m. event, said Los Angeles Police Sgt. Joe Gonzales. About 8,500 people filled the auditorium, and between 3,000 and 4,000 waited outside--many in wheelchairs and on crutches, Gonzales said. “It was never reported being on the verge of violence, but it had the potential by nature of the fact that there were so many people there,” Little said.