8 DEAD, MANY OTHERS INJURED AFTER CROWD SURGE AT ASTROWORLD FESTIVAL IN HOUSTON

  

At least eight people are dead and numerous others are injured after a crowd surge Friday night at the Astroworld Festival at NRG Park in Houston.

Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña told reporters that around 9:15 p.m., the crowd of about 50,000 people compressed toward the front of the stage, causing some to panic and others to “fall out” and become unconscious.

According to Peña, 23 people were taken to hospitals, including 11 who were in cardiac arrest.  According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, one patient was 10 years old.

Over 300 people were treated at a field hospital at the festival, which was called off early on Friday.

A reunification center was set up at the Wyndham Hotel on Kirby Drive for family members who are attempting to find loved ones who attended the festival.

Today’s (Saturday) performances at the festival have been cancelled as officials investigate the mass casualty event.