Read More About What Happened
It's been estimated that more than 55,000 people were at NRG Park by the time Travis Scott took the stage. Only 34,000 had their tickets scanned. Astroworld was "sold out" at 50,000 people, so this means that over 5,000 gained access without tickets. Security was overwhelmed and the venue was overcrowded. These factors created the perfect recipe for Astroworld to become one of the worst concert disasters the U.S. has seen.
At Arnold & Itkin, our Houston concert injury attorneys are investigating the incident and looking for answers to what happened. According to local authorities, many details of what occurred are unclear—including what caused the crowd crush and whether the security for the event was adequate enough to protect those in attendance. Our hearts go out to those affected. We are committed to finding the truth and helping victims get justice.
The Serious Dangers of Poor Crowd Management & Crowd Crush
This is not the first time a large crowd has experienced a tragedy. In 1979, a crowd waiting to attend a rock concert for The Who in Cincinnati, Ohio began to rush the doors of the venue. In an event later recalled as “mayhem,” the 20,000 fans stampeded forward. 8 people in attendance were severely injured and 11 were killed.
In 2000, 9 people were killed at a Pearl Jam concert in Denmark.
Then, in 2010, a similar event at a German electronic dance music festival resulted in 21 people dying.
This is not even the first time that an incident at a Travis Scott performance resulted in serious injuries. In fact, just three years ago, three people were trampled while trying to get into a music festival.
The dangers of large crowds are also not limited to just concerts and music festivals. The potential for severe injuries and death related to crowd surges can occur at anything from holiday shopping to a sports game.
In a 2011 article in The New Yorker, they noted,
“Crowd disasters occur all over the world, and for a variety of reasons. According to a recent paper published in the journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, reports of human stampedes have more than doubled in each of the past two decades.”
Understanding Crowd Crush Injuries
Crowd and concert crush injuries happen when people are compressed together so tightly that they cannot breathe. Some people may fall to the ground, where they are then trampled and sustain crush injuries such as broken bones and internal organ damage, but many suffocate. Some die standing up, unable to catch their breath.
The terrifying nature of crowd crush and the significant injuries it can cause make it an issue that cannot be ignored in the entertainment industry. Performers, event producers, concert organizers, security companies, and venues are all responsible for putting on events that have measures in place to prevent overcrowding and the dangers of crowd crush in the first place, particularly in general admission and festival seating areas.
Astroworld could have been organized in such a way as to keep fans safe. Other concerts with more attendees have gone off without a hitch, and yet the fans who gathered near the stage to see Travis Scott perform were in imminent danger, and they didn't even know it. They were crowded too tightly and there was no one to help when they needed it. Some fans even climbed towers and pled to cameramen, but they were ignored.
The truth of the matter is this: fans are not responsible for preventing overcrowding or for properly organizing a concert. Event organizers, venues, and security companies are.
Who Is Liable for Music Festival Injuries?
In the aftermath of tragedies such as November’s Astroworld crowd crush, many parties may come under fire for their role in the fatal incident. For our concert lawsuit attorneys, the question of liability is one we take seriously. From the performer, Travis Scott, to the venue, NRG park, to the organizer, Live Nation, we will be looking closely into those involved in the mass casualty event to determine fault. If this event impacted you or someone you love, it is vital that you get in touch with an attorney who you trust to look out for your best interests. Someone who will take the steps possible to determine who is at fault and provide you with the best help possible. Someone who will ensure that you get your questions answered and protect your family—fighting for the best results.
Talk to an Astroworld Lawyer About What Happened: (888) 493-1629
At Arnold & Itkin, our Astroworld lawsuit attorneys are already looking into what occurred at the festival and taking steps to protect those affected by this tragedy. Our Houston personal injury law firm has a history of taking on large companies and winning massive results. In fact, we have recovered more than $20 billion on behalf of our clients and set records throughout Texas for the verdicts we’ve won and settlements we’ve reached. We will fight for those who have been victimized by events such as this and will not stop until we get answers. No matter what.
Get a free consultation with our record-setting law firm today by calling (888) 493-1629 or filling out our online form. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
