'Crush Disaster' US Concert Bereaved Families File Billion-Won Compensation Claim

Published 09 Nov.2021 13:51(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] At least eight people were crushed to death and hundreds injured at a concert by American hip-hop artist Travis Scott, and it has been reported that there are about 30 lawsuits being pursued by the families of the deceased and the injured.

On the 8th (local time), the local media Houston Chronicle revealed this, stating, "Those who filed lawsuits claim that the event organizers failed to control the crowd, which led to the tragedy."

A lawyer representing one of the injured said, "The victim was pushed down by the crowd and trampled, suffering severe physical injuries," and argued that "the organizers were grossly negligent." He filed a lawsuit seeking damages against Scott, who hosted the 'Astroworld Music Festival,' ScoreMore, which promoted the event, and Live Nation Entertainment.

The families of those who died at the concert also filed lawsuits. UPI, citing the local outlet Houston Public Media, reported, "As of today, about 10 plaintiffs have submitted complaints to the court," adding, "Each is demanding compensation exceeding 1 million dollars (approximately 1.18 billion KRW)."

At the problematic concert attended by 50,000 people, the accident occurred when excited audience members rushed toward the stage all at once early in the performance.

Investigative authorities, including the Houston Police, are examining whether safety measures were properly implemented and the circumstances under which the crowd was uncontrolled.

They are also considering the possibility of drug-related crimes. There are reports that someone in the audience injected drugs into others with a syringe, prompting the deployment of specialized investigators to launch murder and drug investigations.