Preventing crowd crushes requires thorough safety measures
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Source: The post Preventing crowd crushes requires thorough safety measures has been created, based on the article “The science is clear, crowd disasters are preventable” published in “The Hindu” on 31st January 2025

Preventing crowd crushes requires thorough safety measures

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Disaster and disaster management.

Context: The article discusses the preventable nature of crowd crushes, like the recent tragedy at the Maha Kumbh in India, where 30 people died. It urges governments and event organizers to adopt measures to manage crowd densities and enhance safety at large events.

For detailed information on Stampede Disaster and its Management in India read this article here

What causes crowd crush disasters?

  1. High Crowd Density: At five people per square meter, injuries occur. At seven or more, deaths are likely.
  2. Restricted Space: Limited areas force people into dangerously tight spaces, as seen at the Maha Kumbh.
  3. Lack of Proper Planning: Few entry and exit points increase risks.
  4. Sudden Surges: Fast-moving crowds create deadly pressure.

Where else have crowd crush disasters happened?

Similar tragedies have happened worldwide:

Houston, U.S. (2021): 10 people died at a music concert.

Itaewon, South Korea (2022): 159 people died during a Halloween festival.

Sanaa, Yemen (2023): 90 people died at a charity event.

Nigeria (2024): 35 people died at a religious festival.

How can crowd crushes be prevented?

  1. Increase Entry and Exit Points: More pathways reduce congestion, preventing deadly compression.
  2. Stagger Arrival Times: This avoids sudden surges that increase density.
  3. Keep Passageways Clear: Removing obstacles prevents dangerous bottlenecks.
  4. Responsibility Lies with Authorities: Crowd members cannot control density or movement. Once a crush starts, people cannot move or breathe. Governments, event organizers, and promoters must ensure crowd safety.
  5. Segment the Crowd: New York City’s New Year’s Eve event divides crowds into groups of 100, reducing risk.
  6. Enforce Safety Laws: Many organizers avoid regulations to maximize profits, risking lives.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key causes of crowd crush disasters and the measures that can prevent them.


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