A tragedy shook the state of Texas, when on Friday, Nov. 5, eight people died during a performance by rapper Travis Scott at his Astroworld Festival, which he began in 2018. 

 

The death of the young people between 14 and 27 years old was caused by a human crush of fans that wanted to get close to the stage and that, according to event attendees, caused victims to suffocate to death and left hundreds more injured.

 

Local police said the incident happened on Friday at 9 p.m. on the first day of the event, where an estimated 50,000 people attended. 

 

"The crowd started pushing towards the front of the stage, which caused some panic and started causing injuries. People started falling down, becoming unconscious, and that generated additional panic," said Fire Chief Samuel Peña.

 

The first report said 17 people were taken to nearby hospitals, while others were treated at NRG Park, where a hospital was set up to examine about 300 people.

 

Concertgoers described the event as traumatizing, with many witnesses saying they saw lifeless bodies trampled amid the chaos. Those who survived had to fight their way through the crowd as the music continued to roar.

 

"Everyone was crying; it was the most terrifying sound I've ever heard," TK Tellez told CNN. "Imagine hearing Travis Scott and people screaming for their lives at the same time."

 

"Travis Scott had little time between songs and we were screaming at the top of our vocal cords so someone could hear us, but no one would," Tellez said. "This year's festival will stick with me forever. I've never seen someone die in front of my eyes. It was horrible."

 

After what happened, the rapper pledged to refund ticket money to all attendees and will partner with the BetterHelp portal to provide free mental health help to all affected by the tragedy.

 

"I am absolutely devastated by what happened last night," Scott said on Saturday, Nov. 6 on Twitter. "My prayers are with the families of all those affected by what happened."

The causes of death for the eight victims, including two teenagers, are still awaiting forensic reports, a process that could take several weeks.

 

The second night of the event was canceled by the multinational live music company Live Nation, which organized the event. Scott also announced that he will not participate this coming weekend at the Day N Vegas Festival as planned.