American rapper Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas, was cancelled on Saturday after a huge crowd surge on Friday night (U.S. Central Time) rendered eight people dead and over 300 injured, including a 10-year-old, according to local officials.

More than 50,000 fans gathered during Scott’s performance at the festival outside NRG Park, as per Houston Chronicle report.  Throughout the day, close to 23 people were hospitalised and over 300 were treated. Following the devastating incident, the rapper took to social media to send his prayers to those impacted. 

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He wrote, “I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night. My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival. Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life.”

He added, “I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need. Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department and NRG Park for their immediate response and support. Love You All.”

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Scott’s set on Friday night was streamed live on Apple Music. It featured his usual high-octane performance, later accompanied by an extended appearance from Drake. Scott founded the Astroworld Festival in 2018. 

Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pea outlined the timeline of the tragedy at a press conference following the tragedy. He stated that the crowd began surging forward during Scott’s set at 9 pm (local time) on Friday, causing the rapper to pause the show several times to ask security to assist fans.

Members of the fire department entered the swarming crowd to assist the injured. At 9.38 pm, the “mass-casualty incident” was triggered, and CPR started being administered on several unconscious fans. Meanwhile, social media posts show the frenzied scene as officials tried to rescue concert goers, reported ‘Variety’.