Authorities initially told CNN they believed the crush was caused after some members of the crowd thought they heard gunfire. However Rochester police have since rowed-back on that view.
In a following statement, police said: “We are hearing many reports of potential causes, including crowd size, shots fired, pepper spray and more.
“Preliminary reports from people at the scene indicate that these injuries were caused from being trampled. We do not have any evidence of gunshots being fired or anyone being shot or stabbed.”
One of the two woman to have died from the tragedy has been named as 33-year-old Rhondesia Belton, from nearby Buffalo.
The second woman to have died was aged 35, although her name has not yet been disclosed.
Another woman reportedly remains in critical condition, whilst seven other people are said to have injuries that are not life-threatening.
GloRilla, a relatively recent breakout rap star from Memphis, Tennessee, has since taken to social media to say she was “devastated & heartbroken over the tragic deaths that happened.”
I am devastated & heartbroken over the tragic deaths that happened after Sunday’s show. My fans mean the world to me 😢praying for their families & for a speedy recovery of everyone affected 🙏🏽
— GloRilla 🦍 (@GloTheofficial) March 7, 2023
Of those still injured, she said she was “praying for their families & for a speedy recovery of everyone affected.”
Speaking of the named victim, meanwhile, the Mayor of Buffalo, Byron Brown, has said: “This is another difficult day for our City’s workforce and our entire community. I join all of our City employees in mourning the loss of one of our own.
“She tragically lost her life yesterday while attending a concert in Rochester. Her family, friends, and colleagues are devastated and left to mourn this tragic loss. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The latest incident is one of a number of high-profile crushes that have led to loss of life.
Two people were also killed in a crush at Brixton’s O2 Academy in December.
In December, a crush was caused at a gig for Afrobeats artist Asake at Brixton’s O2 Academy, which led to the deaths of two people: mother of two Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23.
It’s since been reported that half the recommended number of medical staff, and no nurses or paramedics, were on duty on the night of the incident, according to whistle-blowers.
In November 2021, meanwhile, ten audience members were killed at Travis Scott’s Astroworld event in Houston, Texas, which also saw hundreds more injured.
In October last year, the ‘Sicko Mode’ rapper settled the case with the families of the deceased for an undisclosed fee, along with the concert organisers Live Nation.
