Scott has released a statement about what the police called a “mass casualty incident” in Houston.
Eight people have died and numerous others were injured in what officials called a “mass casualty incident” at Travis Scott’s Astroworld 2021 music festival in Houston on Friday night, the ap reports. Officials transported 17 people to hospitals, including 11 people who were in cardiac arrest. A 10-year-old was reportedly among those injured, and the ages of the deceased are between 14 and 27, according to a report from the New York Times. The medical examiner is currently investigating the causes of death.
“The crowd began to compress towards the front of the stage, and that caused some panic, and it started causing some injuries,” Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said during a press conference. “People began to fall out, become unconscious, and it created additional panic.” Peña added that the festival’s on-site medical units were “quickly overwhelmed” following the crowd surge.
“I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night,” Travis Scott said in a statement. “My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld festival. Houston pd has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life. I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need. Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department and NRG Park for their immediate response and support. Love you all.”
Numerous people with eyewitness accounts of the chaos that unfolded at Astroworld discussed being trapped and crushed near the front of the stage. The AP reports that the crowd pushed forward as a timer ticked down to the start of Travis Scott’s performance. According to Houston Station ABC13, the crowd began to surge when Drake made a surprise appearance with Scott. One Fire Department official said the incident “Seemed like it happened over the course of just a few minutes.” During the press conference this morning, police mentioned that they were investigating a rumor that people “injected some people with drugs” in the crowd.
Astroworld 2021 was set to continue the next day (Saturday), but it has been canceled. In addition to Travis Scott, yesterday’s event featured performances from Sza, Lil Baby, Master P, Yves Tumor, Toro Y Moi, Don Toliver, And Roddy Ricch. Ricch subsequently posted an Instagram story (viewed by pitchfork) stating: “Please have the families of those who we lost yesterday reach out. I’ll be donating my net compensation to the families of this incident #pray4houston.” The festival streamed live on apple music and was set to feature appearances from tame impala, earth wind & fire, bad bunny, chief keef, young thug, and others.
Social media heading and catchphrase: #Pray4Houston: The Travis Scott Astroworld Controversy.
According to Houston Station ABC13, the crowd began to surge when Drake made a surprise appearance with Scott. One Fire Department official said the incident “Seemed like it happened over the course of just a few minutes.” During the press conference this morning, police mentioned that they were investigating a rumor that people “injected some people with drugs” in the crowd.
