A detailed operations plan for the Astroworld music festival in Houston didn’t include a specific contingency for a surging crowd incident despite three people being trampled and hospitalized at the same festival in 2019.
Eight people in the crowd of more than 50,000 died Friday night after a crowd surge, authorities said. In November 2019, three people were trampled and hospitalized as thousands rushed to get into the festival. The victims were taken to the hospital with leg injuries, and the event continued as planned. In a 56-page document obtained by CNN, concert organizers this year addressed broad concerns about the sold-out, two-day event headlined by rapper Travis Scott. «Based on the site’s layout and numerous past experiences, a Security Plan has been established to help mitigate potential negative issues within the scope of the festival,» the document states. «The potential for multiple alcohol/drug related incidents, possible evacuation needs, and the ever-present threat of a mass casualty situation are identified as key concerns.» Among the scenarios addressed in the plan are incidents involving an active shooter, severe weather and a possible riot or civil unrest.
