The Deadly Truth About Crowd Collapse: A Survivor’s Guide

-by Piyoosh Rautela-

Picture a sea of humanity – a concert pulsing with energy, a religious festival brimming with devotion, or a sporting event roaring with excitement.

The atmosphere is electric, a shared experience of pure joy. But suddenly, the air thickens, the ground seems to shift beneath your feet, and you’re pressed in from all sides.

The joyous atmosphere morphs into a suffocating nightmare. This is the chilling reality of a crowd collapse, a far too common and often deadly phenomenon.

Hathras: A Tragedy We Must Learn From

The recent tragedy in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where over a hundred lives were tragically lost in a crowd collapse, serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when crowd safety is neglected.

On 2 July 2024, a massive crowd gathered in the village of Mughal Garhi, drawn by the promise of spiritual enlightenment and a glimpse of their revered guru, Narayan Sakar Hari or Bhole Baba.

As the event concluded, a frantic rush to collect Charan Raj – sacred soil touched by the guru – triggered a chain reaction that led to the deaths of 121 persons, apart from a responding police officer who succumbed to a heart attack amidst the chaos.

This devastating incident is not an isolated occurrence. Crowd collapses have plagued gatherings of all kinds, from religious pilgrimages to music festivals. The recurring nature of these tragedies underscores our collective failure to adequately address the challenges of crowd management and safety.

Stampede vs Crush: Understanding the Difference

While the media often uses the term “stampede,” experts prefer “crowd crush” or “crowd collapse.”

True stampede is a situation wherein either aroused by excitement or fear people suddenly start to run in a certain direction, or try to do and achieve the same thing simultaneously. However according to the experts, (i) true stampede rarely occurs except when many people flee in fear, such as from a fire, (ii) trampling by people in such incidences often doesn’t cause fatal injuries, and (iii) despite stampede reports often highlighting panic, mass panic is rare and people continue to help each other, often risking their own lives.

A crush or crowd collapse is a situation where a dense crowd becomes compressed, leading to suffocation and trampling.

 The Science Behind Crowd Disasters

Crowd density is the primary factor in crowd collapses, not the overall size of the crowd.

When densities reach 4 people per square meter, the situation becomes dangerous. At 6 or 7 people per square meter, the crowd behaves like a fluid, with shockwaves rippling through it. Even a minor disturbance can trigger a cascade of falling bodies, leading to a catastrophic collapse.

In a crush, individuals lose the ability to move independently and become part of a mass, subject to the forces acting upon it. The primary cause of death is compressive asphyxia, where the pressure on the chest prevents the lungs from expanding.

It therefore becomes important that you evaluate the gravity of the situation based on crowd density. If  you have no physical contact with those around you, the density is probably under 03 people per square meter, so at present all is well. If you are bumping against one or two people around you without meaning to, the crowd density must be around 04-05 people per square meter. There is no immediate danger, but it would be better to move away from the centre of the congestion. If you can’t freely move your hands, to the point that it is difficult to touch your face, there are too many people – the danger has become acute.

Global Nightmare: Crowd Disasters Around the World

Sadly, crowd crushes are not unique to India. They occur worldwide, claiming hundreds of lives each year. From the tragic events during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca to music festivals in Europe and Asia, the threat is universal and transcends cultural boundaries.

Recipe for Disaster: What Causes Crowd Collapses?

Panic can certainly be a factor in crowd collapses, but it’s often not the sole cause. These tragedies typically result from a complex interplay of factors that include:

Poor Planning

This includes inadequate crowd management, lack of emergency exits, failure to anticipate potential risks, and overselling of tickets.

Communication Breakdown

Clear and concise communication is essential for crowd control. A lack of clear information or instructions can quickly lead to confusion and panic.

Obstacles

Narrow passageways, barriers, uneven terrain, or even something as simple as a fallen object can create bottlenecks that trap people and increase the risk of a crash.

Overcrowding

When the crowd density exceeds safe limits, even a small incident can trigger a catastrophic collapse.

Preventing Crowd Disasters: A Shared Responsibility

Preventing crowd disasters is a multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration between organizers, authorities, and individuals.

Event Organisers

Event organizers must prioritize crowd safety above everything. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments, creating comprehensive crowd management plans, ensuring adequate staffing and training, and establishing clear communication channels with attendees.

Authorities

Local authorities play a crucial role in enforcing safety regulations and ensuring that event organizers have the necessary permits and resources to manage large crowds effectively.

Individuals

Attendees must be aware of the risks and take personal responsibility for their safety. This includes following instructions from event staff, staying calm in a crisis, and being mindful of others around them.

Being Vigilant for Safety

In the aftermath of a crush, the media often blames the victims, portraying them as irrational and out of control. However, closer examination usually reveals that these disasters are primarily caused by the actions or inactions of those responsible for planning and managing the event.

Crowd-related disasters can be prevented through simple crowd management strategies. These include careful planning, well-designed venues, clear communication, and trained personnel who can identify and address potential risks before they escalate.

Survival Tips: Your Guide to Escaping a Crush

While we can all hope to never experience a crowd crush, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are some tips to increase your chances of survival if you find yourself in a dangerous situation:

Be Observant

Upon arrival at any event, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Locate all exits, identify potential hazards, and assess the crowd density.

The natural urge is to use the same route for exit, not because it is safer, but because it is familiar. There might however be an alternative exit being used by fewer people, and that could get you out more quickly, if you know where it is.

React Quickly

If you feel uncomfortable or sense danger, don’t hesitate to leave. Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety above all else.

Conserve Your Energy

If you find yourself in a crush, don’t fight against the crowd. Instead, try to move with it diagonally towards an exit. Conserve your energy by avoiding unnecessary struggles.

Protect Your Chest

Keep your arms up by your chest, creating a small space that will allow you to breathe. This can be crucial in preventing compressive asphyxia.

Stay Calm and Look for Help

If you fall, try to get back up as quickly as possible. If you can’t, curl into a ball and protect your head. Look for someone to help you up or try to signal for assistance.

Crowd Management: Key Strategies for Safety

Effective crowd management is essential for preventing disasters. Here are some key strategies that organizers should implement:

Thorough Planning

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments, create detailed crowd management plans, and establish clear communication channels.

Trained Personnel

Ensure that staff and volunteers are trained in crowd management techniques and emergency procedures.

Clear Communication

Provide clear and concise instructions to attendees, using multiple channels such as signage, announcements, and social media.

Designated Exits

Ensure that there are multiple exits and that they are clearly marked and easily accessible. Ensure that the doors open outwards.

After the 1883 Victoria Hall disaster which killed 183 children, a law was passed in England which required all public entertainment venues to be equipped with doors that open outwards, for example using crash bar latches that open when pushed.

Crash bars are also required by various building codes.

Crowd Monitoring

Use technology such as CCTV cameras and drones to monitor crowd density and identify potential problems.

Crowd Control Measures

Implement measures such as barriers, queueing systems, and staggered entry times to manage crowd flow.

Technology to the Rescue: The Role of S&T and ICT

Technology can play a vital role in enhancing crowd safety. Some examples include:

Aadhar-linked passes

Barcoded passes can be used to track attendees and monitor crowd density in real-time.

Digital entry passes and GPS-enabled instructions

These can help guide attendees and reduce confusion.

Sensors

Sensors can be deployed to monitor heat, smoke, and noise levels, providing early warning signs of potential problems.

CCTV, UAVs, and drones

These technologies can be used for real-time crowd monitoring, allowing organizers to identify and address issues before they escalate.

By combining these strategies and utilizing available technologies, we can make significant strides in preventing crowd crushes and ensuring the safety of everyone who attends large gatherings.

In Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Hathras tragedy is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to crowd safety. It’s time for organizers, authorities, and individuals to work together to create a culture of safety and responsibility. By learning from past mistakes, implementing best practices, and embracing technological solutions, we can ensure that future events are joyous occasions, not scenes of preventable tragedies.

Remember, every life lost in a crowd crush is a preventable loss. Let’s honor the memory of the victims by working tirelessly to make every crowd a safe crowd.