Do you really know? Why do crowd crushes happen?
Dec 9, 2025
The discussion delves into the tragic Itaewon Halloween crowd crush, raising questions about its unclear causes and the role of rumors. The contrast between panic-induced stampedes and the failures of authorities in crowd management is explored. Learn how crowd density and physics contribute to dangerous situations. Historical examples highlight that crowd crushes occur more frequently than one might think. Practical survival tips are provided for navigating overcrowded areas safely, emphasizing awareness and preparedness.
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Itaewon Halloween Tragedy
- On 29 October 2022 about 20,000 people were celebrating Halloween in Itaewon, Seoul, and one narrow street became dangerously overcrowded.
- The crush led to 153 deaths and investigators still debated causes like rumours and poor planning.
Density, Not Panic, Kills
- Crowd crush deaths usually result from suffocation or heart failure while people stand, not from trampling on the ground.
- Dangerous situations arise when density exceeds about six people per square metre and individuals lose control of their movement.
Crowd Disasters Happen More Often
- Crowd crushes are not rare and have caused hundreds to thousands of deaths in major incidents worldwide.
- Examples include Baghdad's Al-Aima Bridge (2005) and the Mina disaster (2015), showing scale and recurrence.