People began to fall out and become unconscious and that created additional panic,” said Peña, flanked by local officials from the police and fire departments.
He said a “mass casualty” incident was triggered at 9:38 p.m., shortly after which his team transported 17 patients to the hospital, 11 of which were in cardiac arrest at the time.
Later, as the tragedy was already underway, medical personnel can be seen carrying young people out on stretchers and attempting CPR on others.
Friday’s festival lineup featured artists including SZA, Master P, Yves Tumor, Toro y Moi, Roddy Rich, Lil Baby and Scott, who was scheduled to close the night from 8:45-10 p.m.
Reps for Astroworld confirmed the Saturday segment of the festival was canceled in a statement: “Our hearts are with the Astroworld Festival family tonight – especially those we lost and their loved ones.
A reunification center has been opened at the Wyndham Houston Hotel for family members who may not have heard from their relatives that attended the show.
This year’s event marked the third annual Astroworld put on by Scott, who grew up in Missouri City, outside of Houston.