More Than 60 People Injured in Stampede at Australian Music Festival

Dozens of concertgoers were injured at Falls Festival in Lorne, Australia when a stampede broke out between headlining sets from DMA’s and London Grammar. Several fans lost their footing running from the Grand Theatre tent to the Valley Stage, causing several people to get trampled. More than 60 people were hurt and 19 were hospitalized during the stampede, The Sydney Morning Herald reports (via Stereogum). Injuries included lower leg fractures, pelvic fractures, and cuts and bruises. The incident is being blamed on unstable ground and congestion at exits. “Worksafe has investigated and worked with Falls management and has recorded that they’ve made some immediate requirements for change to the facility to make sure that there is not a repeat event,” Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley told The Morning Herald.

The stampede prompted festival organizers to widen tent entrances and create additional access points. “Whilst a very distressing situation, we are heartened and thankful for the amazing work of our medical teams and staff who responded with such care and support to those affected and continue to do so for the remaining duration of the festival,” a spokesperson told Stereogum. The festival will resume as normal today.

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