What Causes Crowd Crush?
Understanding the factors behind crowd disasters.
Critical Understanding
Most crowd crush victims don't die from trampling. They die from compressive asphyxia - being squeezed so tightly they cannot expand their chest to breathe.
Excessive Density
When crowd density exceeds 4-5 people per square meter, movement becomes impossible. At 6+ people/m², crowd crush becomes likely. Proper capacity limits and monitoring are essential.
Poor Venue Design
Dead ends, narrowing pathways, and insufficient exits create fatal bottlenecks. The Itaewon disaster occurred in a narrow downhill alley with no escape routes.
Inadequate Crowd Management
Failure to monitor crowd density, control entry points, and respond to warning signs. Professional crowd management can prevent disasters.
Force Imbalance
When crowd pressure from one direction isn't balanced, progressive crowd collapse occurs. People fall like dominoes and cannot get up.
Communication Failures
Inability to communicate with the crowd about dangers, exits, or need to stop movement. Sound systems and trained staff are critical.