Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of eight people who were trampled during a music festival in Houston Friday. Witnesses said the rowdy crowd at the 2021 Astroworld festival suddenly surged forward during a performance by rapper Travis Scott, resulting in the deaths and multiple injuries.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said they have already launched an investigation into the incident, which he said could "take weeks" to conclude. The concert, held at NRG Park in Houston, featured performances by Scott and fellow rapper Drake.
Officials said around 50,000 people were packed inside the stadium. Officials said a timer was counting down to start Scott's performance, and when it struck zero, the crowd suddenly surged forward towards the stage. The surge left those in front without any room to move as they were trapped between the wave of people and a steel barrier.
Concertgoers said there was a complete collapse of security and management at the concert. One witness said the crowd during the two-day event was "out of control" even before the show had started. Another witness said he heard people shouting to "stop the show" and dozens asking for help as they were crushed by the massive crowd.
Organizers said that security was "beefed up" during this year's event. They hired 700 private security officers to assist the 500 Houston police officers dispatched at the concert. Unlike previous concerts, the number of people at the event was limited. The venue, which could accommodate 200,000 people, was only limited to 50,000.
The identities of all the people that died at Friday's concert are expected to be released by the Harris County Medical Examiner this week. Officials said the victims were between the ages of 14 and 27. At least 25 people had to be sent to the hospital, and 13 of them stayed there. Officials stated one of the victims was only 10 years old. He is reportedly in severe condition.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said that the deaths of the concertgoers may have been a result of "unpredictable events" that likely were unavoidable. She added that until that is proven to be true, she will continue to ask "tough questions."
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the organizer of the Astroworld Festival in the past for safety violations. In the last decade, Live Nation Entertainment, the world's largest live music producer, has been fined or sued for a variety of concerns ranging from rowdy audiences to equipment malfunctions at numerous venues and performances.
