 Memorial outside of NRG Park | |
| Date | November 5, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Time | c. 9:06 – 10:10 p.m. CDT (UTC−5) |
| Location | NRG Park, Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 29°41′16″N 95°25′05″W / 29.68778°N 95.41806°W |
| Type | Crowd crush |
| Deaths | 10 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 25 hospitalized, 300+ with minor injuries |
| Charges | None[1] |
On November 5, 2021, a fatal crowd crush occurred during the Astroworld Festival, an annual musical event hosted by American rapper Travis Scott at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. Eight people were pronounced dead on the day of the incident, and two more died in the hospital in the following days. The Harris County medical examiner's office declared the cause of death to be compressive asphyxiation while the manner of death was ruled an accident.[2]
The 2021 edition of the festival, managed by Live Nation and live-streamed by Apple Music, was initially expected to host over 100,000 attendees. However, safety concerns led authorities to limit attendance to 50,000. The festival faced logistical challenges, including a confusing layout, inadequate facilities, and a significant crowd-to-staff ratio, which contributed to the tragic events.
On the night of the event, the crowd surged during Travis Scott's performance, resulting in a human crush that caused multiple fatalities and injuries. Despite warnings and visible signs of distress in the crowd, the concert continued, leading to chaos and panic. The response from security and medical personnel was overwhelmed by the scale of the incident, highlighting significant gaps in planning and preparedness for such large-scale events.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, there was widespread criticism of the event's management and the actions of Scott and other organizers. Investigations revealed that the initial event-operations plan did not adequately address potential crowd surges or mosh pit safety, despite previous incidents at Scott's concerts. The lack of coordination among security and emergency services exacerbated the situation.
The Astroworld Festival incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations and better safety measures at live events. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Scott, Live Nation, and other parties involved, with allegations of negligence and failure to ensure the safety of attendees. The incident remains a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive planning and rapid response to emergencies. On June 29, 2023, a Texas grand jury declined to indict Scott or anyone associated with the concert.[1]
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
cnnjunewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Officials release cause of death for Astroworld victims". NBC News. December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2023.