Chaos scenes unfolded during the festival Astroworld hosted by rapper Travis Scott, in Houston, Texas.
U.S. media have reported several dead and many injured, with police in the first official announcement confirming the deaths of eight people.
"We have eight confirmed victims at this point," police told reporters, adding that a total of 23 people had been taken to hospital.
Ambulances and firefighters were called after multiple injuries were reported on the opening night of the music festival. Unconfirmed information speaks of a heart attack suffered by several participants.
Videos on social media show many people lying on the ground as loud music keeps playing.
⚠️🇺🇸#URGENT: Multiple injuries reported at Astroworld Music Festival in Houston, Texas#Houston l #TX
A large medical response is underway at NRG Park for 'several patients'. Disturbing footage from the scene shows EMS performing CPR on three patients.
Gathering more details! pic.twitter.com/5LPUHX7pnz— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) November 6, 2021
Multiple people have been taken to an area hospital in the Houston, Texas area after sustaining injuries at #ASTROWORLDFest, according to @KHOU. Video shared on Instagram Stories shows first responders performing life-saving measures on attendees. pic.twitter.com/oOLH0AU2QU
- Malik Earnest (@MalikEarnest) November 6, 2021
They were trampled
The tragedy that has occurred comes a few hours after the unrest caused in NRG Park, where a large crowd had gathered to watch the festival.
Many participants were trampled as people rushed into the concert hall.
As soon as they entered, several people started climbing on the portable toilets, while the security staff was trying to restrain the people.
The Astroworld Festival is an annual musical event by rapper Travis Scott, who has not yet commented.
Last year the festival was canceled due to the pandemic, while the last time it was held, 100.000 tickets were sold in one hour, according to ABC 13.
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