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Surviving a stampede: Key tips from recent tragedies

By Musa Adekunle

22 December 2024   |   12:49 pm

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In the past week, stampedes have tragically claimed the lives of at least 50 people in three different parts of the country. These incidents have raised urgent concerns about safety at crowded events and how such disasters can be avoided. Ibadan funfair turns fatal On Wednesday, a funfair meant for celebration in Ibadan, the Oyo…

In the past week, stampedes have tragically claimed the lives of at least 50 people in three different parts of the country. These incidents have raised urgent concerns about safety at crowded events and how such disasters can be avoided.

Ibadan funfair turns fatal

On Wednesday, a funfair meant for celebration in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, ended in sorrow when 35 children lost their lives in a stampede. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the crowd surged uncontrollably, leading to tragedy.

Abuja food distribution gone wrong

By Saturday, another heartbreaking incident unfolded in Abuja. At least ten people, including four children, died during a food distribution event organized by a Catholic church. The intention was to assist the less privileged, but the poorly managed crowd led to a devastating outcome.

READ ALSO:Netizens slam Soludo over condolence post 24 hours after Anambra stampede

Okija charity event disaster

That same Saturday, in Okija, Anambra State, another stampede occurred during a charity outreach. Organisers were sharing rice and other food items when the situation spiraled into chaos, resulting in more deaths.

What causes crowd crushes?

According experts overcrowding happens when too many people gather in a small space simultaneously.
They noted that a safe density is five people per square meter, but anything beyond that becomes dangerous. In some cases, like during Hajj, crowd density can reach up to eight or nine people per square meter, greatly increasing the risk of crushes.

How do crushes turn deadly?

During a stampede, people can be knocked over, trampled, or crushed under intense pressure. Medical experts warn that compressive asphyxia—where external pressure prevents normal breathing—is often the cause of death in such situations.
Post-mortem reports from similar incidents revealed chest injuries, internal bleeding, and suffocation as leading causes of death.

How to protect yourself during a stampede

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers critical advice for surviving a stampede:
•    Protect your chest: Keep your hands in front of your chest like a boxer to create space for breathing.
•    Don’t resist the crowd: Flow with the movement to avoid falling.
•    Move diagonally: When the crowd slows, move toward the edges to find an escape.
•    Stay on your feet: If you fall, curl into a ball to protect vital organs and try to stand up quickly.
•    Stay calm: Panicking can make the situation worse.

Preventing future tragedies

Experts stress the importance of proper event planning to prevent overcrowding. Event organisers must monitor crowd density and ensure adequate exits are marked.
Know that every venue has a capacity, and it’s vital to have systems in place to count the number of attendees
You also the need to understand the crowd’s motivations to manage them effectively.