Criminal Investigation into Deadly Crowd Surge at Astroworld Festival Could Take Weeks, Mayor Says

 

Alex Dessart

Mr. Ippolito

Current Event 9

 

Flores, Rosa, and Joe Sutton. “Criminal Investigation into Deadly Crowd Surge at Astroworld Festival Could Take Weeks, Mayor Says.” CNN, Cable News Network, 8 Nov. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/08/us/houston-astroworld-festival-monday/index.html.  

 

A criminal investigation just began after a crowd surge at a Houston musical festival that left eight people dead and several more injured. Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner said authorities were working to determine the issue behind the Astroworld Festival. Travis Scott, who the festival is based around, was due to perform at 9pm, where thousands of fans rushed to the center of the stage. The fans at the front were pressed against the fences and fellow people. They were unable to escape anywhere and their lungs became too compressed to take in oxygen. Scenes of people were crushed and trampled as calls for help were swallowed by the loud performances. Eight people - from 14 to 27 years old - died. “There's a criminal investigation underway at this point in time," Turner told CNN. 

            A concertgoer has filed a lawsuit against Scott’s entertainment company and a concert promoter, seeking $1 million for injuries sustained at the show. Manuel Souza, a concert attendee, suffered serious injuries while being trampled by the chaotic crowd. The concert conductor failed to properly plan the setting in a safe manner and Kylie Jenner, his wife, shared they were not aware of the Astroworld fatalities during the concert. The victims of the concert are continuing to be identified and mourn those lost. 

            This article had many strengths along with weaknesses. It very well described the negative effects of the concert, yet could have better described the actual setting of the concert. It was very organized and in chronological order, making it a simplistic read. I would suggest using more imagery to capture the scene and eeriness of the concert, otherwise I thought the article was overall interesting to read.