Three Dead After Crush During Steve Aoki Set In Madrid

At least three women have died during a Steve Aoki set for a Halloween party in Madrid.

According to Spanish reports (via LA Times) a packed dance-floor at the Thriller Music event turned into a fatal crush in the early morning when a flare or firecracker went off in the venue, causing panic. With the victims aged between 18-20, two died at the scene while a third died in hospital. Two others – also females – are believed to be in a critical condition.

The festival was approved for a 10,800 capacity, but revellers have since questioned whether that capacity was adhered to. Festival organisers claim that only 9,650 tickets were sold and all emergency exists met regulations.

In a statement Steve Aoki – renowned as one of the world's top party DJs – said, “After my performance last night at Thriller Music Park at the Madrid Arena in Spain, I was devastated to hear that three people had died during a crowd rush at one of the exits. The safety of my fans has always been my top priority and had I known that there was any distress putting people in jeopardy within the venue I would have ended my show immediately.  My show in Bilbao, Spain tonight will be cancelled out of respect for those who lost their lives and those who are injured. I would like to express my deepest condolences and heart felt prayers to the families and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The Spanish promoters also released a statement in broken English, which read, “The triggering of events was apparently launched by an assistant flaming a flare in one of nine vomitory access, not on Centre Court. This action caused panic and isolation in this part of the venue.” They added, “The capacity certified by the foreign company access control was below the required capacity for this event.”

Please take a moment to read my statement regarding the tragic events in Madrid last night: bit.ly/madridstatement

— Steve Aoki (@steveaoki) November 1, 2012