An overflowing throng at the start of a music festival in Houston, Texas, has resulted in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries.
Emergencies were called to the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas, after the crowd began to surge toward the stage, according to emergency officials.
There were eleven cardiac arrests, eight of which resulted in death. Some of the victims are as young as ten years old.
More than 50,000 people came out to watch the outdoor event, which was later canceled,
The county judge of Harris County, Lina Hidalgo, described the night as “very terrible.”
She said, “Our hearts have been broken,” and we all agreed. In order to have a good time, relax, and make memories, people go to these events. It’s not the kind of event where you expect to find out about fatalities.”
An official statement from Astroworld expressed gratitude to the “festival family… especially those we lost and their loved ones” and thanked the local emergency services for their efforts.
According to Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pea, the incident occurred around 21:15 local time on Friday (02:15 GMT Saturday).
After a few seconds of panic, the throng started converging toward the stage, he explained to reporters.
The source said that the panic intensified when the crush started injuring people.
After seeing people in distress near the stage’s front during Travis Scott’s seventy-five minute set, the festival’s founder reportedly stopped several times, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Security was called in by the rapper, who wanted to make sure everyone was okay and get them out of the crowd. Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens reportedly sliced through the crowds multiple times, according to the newspaper.
Amateur video from the concert appears to show people clambering onto an emergency truck as the music goes on.
The event was terminated as soon as it became clear that many individuals had been injured, but the sheer number of casualties quickly exceeded the available medical capabilities, the fire chief said.
Eyewitnesses told the Chronicle that fans were crammed together at the front of the stage. A few areas were so crowded that folks were hyperventilating or straining to get out of there.
We were “clinging to each other like we had a lifeline,” remarked a male concert-goer. “You may easily drift apart if you let go of each other.”
According to a female concert-goer, this was the first time she had attended to a “music event with so many angry people”.
Injuries like cuts and bruises were handled on Friday. “Many” of the festival victims were “tragically young,” according to Judge Hidalgo.
The Wyndham Houston Hotel has set up a reunification center for families who haven’t heard from their loved ones during the music event.
On Friday night, hundreds of people stormed through security and metal detectors in order to get into the show, according to the ABC13 news site.
On Saturday, the final day of the festival was supposed to have taken place.
Police Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police Department remarked that “none could have imagined this.” “In any case, I think it’s critical that none of us speculate while here. Tonight, no one has all the answers, so don’t worry.”
According to Houston Chronicle music writer Joey Guerra, who spoke with BBC Radio 5 Live,
There had been a few minor occurrences during the day that I had been there for. There were a few injuries when people rushed through the gates and jumped metal detectors. On a few occasions, I observed individuals being carried away on stretchers. Because I don’t know why.
There were several instances throughout Travis Scott’s set where emergency cars with their lights on passed through the crowd, but the show continued as normal.. For anyone in trouble or needing assistance, Travis Scott would bring in security to attend to them at various points during the event. I don’t think he realized how bad things were getting.
Travis Scott is a Houston-based artist, thus this was an unique occasion for our city.
This is the third time the festival has taken place. In a way, it’s a tribute to Astroworld, a major amusement park in Houston that no longer exists. He’s re-imagined this whole concept in his own unique way. Those familiar with Astroworld will recognize the carnival rides, games, and other attractions here, which have grown each year.
Reuters adds that Live Nation, the promoter of the event, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 epidemic in 2018, Astroworld returns to NRG Park each year.
There have been eight Grammy nominations for Travis Scott, 29 years old, since his major debut in 2013. Kylie Jenner is the mother of his child.
Tame Impala, Chief Keef, and 21 Savage were some of the other acts scheduled to perform at the festival throughout the weekend.