New Delhi: During a concert which is part of Travis Scott's 2021 Astroworld Music Festival, at least eight people, including a 22-year-old Indian student named Bharti Shahani, were killed, and approximately 25 were hospitalised. The incident happened after a large crowd began pushing toward the front of the stage during a performance by rapper Travis Scott. 


The concert was held at NRG stadium in Houston, Texas on Friday, November 5, where more than 50,000 people were assembled, when the tragedy took place. The Houston Fire Department confirmed that approximately 300 people suffered minor injuries, with at least 11 experiencing cardiac arrest. 


The festival organisers, in the wake of the tragedy, cancelled the second night of the Astroworld concert on Saturday, according to an official statement.


This is one of the deadliest crowd-control disasters at a concert in the United States in many years. Earlier, a similar event had occurred in 1979 outside the doors of a show by Who in Cincinnati, where 11 people died. 


What Happened At The Astroworld Concert?


The cause of the surge remains unknown, and is still under investigation. Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said during a news conference early on Saturday, November 6, "We know that we had at least 8 confirmed fatalities tonight and we had scores of individuals that were injured here in this event." Peña called the event a "tragic night". 


He explained that the crowd "began to compress toward the front of the stage", at around 9:00 pm CT, which resulted in panic and injuries. 


How Has Travis Scott Responded To The Tragedy?


The 29-year-old rapper tweeted a statement on Saturday, "I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night. 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.”


On Monday, November 8, Scott announced that he will cover all funeral costs for those affected. 


Early on Saturday, the event's official twitter handle shared a statement, writing, "Our hearts are with the Astroworld Festival family tonight — especially those we lost and their loved ones. We are focused on supporting local officials however we can.”


Who Are The Victims?


Of the eight people who died, the youngest attendee was 14 years of age, while the oldest was 27 years of age. The age of one of the victims is not known. A 10-year-old boy was among those injured, according to news reports.


Bharti Shahani, a student of Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University student, has been declared brain dead after she suffered an injury in the Astroworld Festival crowd surge, according to news reports.


Another victim who suffered severe injuries at the concert is a nine-year-old boy. He suffered brain damage after being trampled at the deadly Travis Scott concert. The boy's family is suing the rapper. 


What Legal Action Is Being Taken?


Attorney Rick Ramos stated at a press conference that he is representing at least 10 victims who attended the Astroworld Festival, one of whom was among the eight decreased.


He announced a lawsuit on behalf of the young victims, and blamed Travis Scott for not seeing the Astroworld tragedy coming. 


The Attorney also said he was hoping to help his clients deal with the trauma they experienced from the event, and also provide them with medical help.


Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who has know Scott's family for years, said, "We had more security over there than we had at the World Series games," New York Times reported. 


He said it was too early to say whether the security operation was adequate or what led to deaths.