Police say a Wal-Mart employee was knocked to the ground and later pronounced dead after opening the store to anxious shoppers on Long Island, New York.

A spokesman for Nassau County police says it was "utter chaos." One women said shoppers were acting like "savages." Other witnesses say even as the man lay on the ground, shoppers streamed into the store, stepping over him. Police say dozens of store employees who tried to help the man were also trampled by the crowd.

At least four other people were hurt, including a woman who is eight months pregnant. Police say she and her baby are said to be OK.

Surveillance video is being reviewed for possible criminal charges. But police say it could be hard to identify individual shoppers.

Below is a statement posted on Wal-Mart's website:

Walmart Statement on Black Friday Incident at Valley Stream Store

We expected a large crowd this morning and added additional internal security, additional third party security, additional store associates and we worked closely with the Nassau County Police. We also erected barricades. Despite all of our precautions, this unfortunate event occurred.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased. We are continuing to work closely with local law enforcement and we are reaching out to those involved."

- Hank Mullany, Senior Vice President and President, Northeast Division, Walmart U.S.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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