The Astroworld Festival investigation is intensifying: Congress announced Wednesday it is studying the role of the event’s promoter, Live Nation, in the disaster.
ABC Houston affiliate KTRK reports that the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform sent a letter to Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino requesting information about the deadly November event, during which ten people died of "compression asphyxia."
"Live Nation Entertainment was the concert promoter reportedly responsible for 'planning, staffing, putting up money, securing permits, finding vendors, communicating with local agencies,' for Astroworld Festival," said the letter, signed by Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney, James Comer, Al Green, Bill Pascrell Jr.and Kevin Brady.
"This a horrifying way to die, and absolutely preventable. Their families and our community deserve answers to make sure this never happens again," wrote Brady. "I pushed for this Congressional investigation to hold the concert promoters and organizers accountable, identify the causes, and make sure families no longer have to wonder if their child, friend or loved one will come back from a concert alive."
In the document, the representatives questioned whether Live Nation "took adequate steps to ensure the safety of the 50,000 concertgoers who attended Astroworld Festival," adding that reports indicate that " security and medical staff were inexperienced or ill-equipped to deal with mass injuries."
"Some attendees stated that the placement of barricades made it difficult to escape," the letter continued. "Experts have stated that Astroworld Festival organizers failed to heed warning signs."
In response, Live Nation issued a statement saying it would "will of course share information with the Committee," adding, "Safety is core to live events and Live Nation engages in detailed security planning in coordination with local stakeholders including law enforcement, fire and EMT professionals."
The company reiterated that it is "heartbroken by the events at Astroworld."