x
Breaking News
More () »

Tips from a security expert on how to stay safe and calm if caught in a panicked crowd situation

A tragedy unfolded when the crowd rushed the stage at Astroworld Festival, squeezing people so tightly they couldn't breathe.

TOLEDO, Ohio — At least eight people were killed and hundreds more were injured following a crowd surge at Houston's Astroworld Festival on Friday.

RELATED: University of Dayton student one of 8 killed during Texas music concert

The crowd pushed its way forward after rapper Travis Scott took the stage.

With panic starting to set in, some people in the audience were crushed while others were desperately trying to get Scott's attention.

RELATED: Astroworld Festival timeline: Cell phone videos show how tragedy unfolded at Travis Scott concert

Toledo-area security consultant KC Ahlers explained if you're ever in a similar situation, never go against the crowd. He said to keep moving in the same direction as everyone else but start to move at a 45-degree angle to somewhere safe, like if stuck in a riptide.

"Whether it be to get behind a pillar, to get into a hallway, to get behind a stack of speakers," Ahlers said.

If you're starting to feel crushed, Ahlers said you need to bend your arms, lock your elbows and shield whatever force is going to your rib cage. "That will prevent your body from being pushed against another person's."

Preparation is key when heading to events. 

Be aware of your surroundings, make sure you know where all the exits are and use tactical breathing if a situation occurs: breathe in your nose for four seconds, hold it for four seconds and exhale for four seconds. It slows down the panic effect that your body will have and it allows you to think a lot more clearly.

Officials say multiple people were treated with Narcan, a spray used to treat overdoses. Autopsies are being done on the eight victims; the youngest was 14-years-old.

According to CBS News, Scott has vowed to cover the funeral expenses of the eight people killed.

RELATED: 'Our victim was crushed' | Travis Scott, Astroworld Festival organizers hit with lawsuit less than 24 hours after tragedy

RELATED: Religious festival stampede in Israel kills 45, hurts dozens

RELATED: Stampede kills 56 at funeral for Iranian general killed in a U.S. airstrike

MORE FROM WTOL 11:

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out