Newly submitted documents in the civil lawsuit related to the Astroworld Festival reveal that concerns were raised in the weeks leading up to the event, indicating potential warning signs prior to the tragic incident.
Numerous attendees are suing Travis Scott, Live Nation, and other organizers following the deaths of 10 people and numerous injuries.
One of the plaintiffs enlisted the services of Crowd Risk Analysis Ltd., Prof. Dr. G. Keith Still, to review the evidence presented in the case so far. His analysis suggests that the disaster could have been averted.
On Oct. 27, 2021, just 10 days before the festival, Carol Haave, Live Nation’s chief security officer, sent an email expressing a commitment to safety. She emphasized the need to address any known issues in line with industry standards to avoid potential legal implications.
Reports from Houston Landing initially brought to light a series of emails sent by Haave in the weeks leading up to the event, raising concerns.
In an email thread dated Oct. 12, 2021, Haave and two other Live Nation executives discussed potential risks, including the possibility of stampedes and injuries. The exchange highlighted concerns about the adequacy of measures taken given the proximity to the festival date.
Still’s analysis focused on crowd movement between stages, particularly noting that all 10 victims were in close proximity to another stage where multiple performers had earlier appeared. Concerns were raised about the capacity and space limitations in front of Scott’s stage.
Organizers’ communications revealed discussions about documented risks and the need for proactive measures to address crowd pressure issues, as evidenced by minutes from a post-2019 Astroworld Festival meeting.
Haave reiterated concerns about unresolved issues from the 2019 festival and emphasized the importance of addressing them for the 2021 event.
The documents shed light on the various warnings and discussions leading up to the tragic events at the Astroworld Festival, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk management strategies and proactive safety measures.
