Andhra Pradesh Stampede: The Unique ‘Accordion Method’ to Escape a Crowd Crush EXPLAINED

A stampede broke out in Nellore’s Kandukur town on Wednesday night during a program organized by the TDP. So far eight people have died in this painful accident.

The victim and eight others were injured when they fell into the canal when Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu was addressing a roadshow on Wednesday.

What happened?

Based on preliminary information, the police had said that a large number of people had gathered at the venue and there was some scuffle between the people during the meeting, which led to a stampede-like situation in the canal.

Some of the injured are being treated in the hospital.

Naidu immediately canceled the meeting and announced Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. He also visited the hospital where the injured are undergoing treatment.

He also asked TDP leaders to ensure better treatment to the injured.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Reacting to the incident, he said he was pained by the accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

What is stampede and crowd crush?

A stampede is a condition in which a large group of animals all run in the same direction, usually because they are excited or scared. Zebras, cattle, elephants, reindeer, sheep, pigs, goats, blue wildebeest, walruses, wild horses and rhinoceros are among the non-human species associated with stampede behaviour.

Some media outlets refer to situations in which people are injured or killed as “stampedes”, but this is a misnomer; A more accurate term would be crush, or crowd collapse.

Crowd collapse and crush are catastrophic events that can occur when a crowd becomes dangerously overcrowded. When crowd density reaches or exceeds four to five people per square meter (0.37 to 0.46/sq ft), the pressure on each person can cause the crowd to collapse in on itself or become so dense It is believed that persons are crushed and suffocated. ,

At this concentration, a crowd can begin to behave like a fluid that sweeps people around without their consent. Such incidents are almost always the result of organizational failures, and most major crowd disasters can be avoided with simple crowd management strategies. Such events can occur at large gatherings such as sporting, commercial, social and religious events. The density of the crowd is the deciding factor, rather than the size of the crowd.

According to one study, there were 232 deaths and more than 66,000 injuries between 1992 and 2002, and crowd scientists believe such incidents are underreported and increasing in frequency.

How to survive the crush of the crowd

a report by world Nomad lists some tips for increasing your chances of survival in the event of a stampede or stampede, as explained by Paul Wertheimer, one of the world’s leaders on crowd safety.

It is recommended that you make a mental note of all exits as soon as you arrive at a location. The natural tendency is to use the same exit when out, not because it’s safe, but because it’s familiar. But an alternate exit may be used by fewer people that will get you out faster, which is useful if you already know where it is, the report says.

“When you start to feel uncomfortable in a crowd, it’s time to consider leaving. This is difficult because if you’ve traveled a long distance or waited a long time, such as in front of a stage, You don’t want to leave,” Paul said.

Too many people put off making that decision until it’s too late, and then they find themselves caught in a big, moving to-and-fro crowd.

Here are Paul’s survival tips:

  • Keep your balance.
  • Save energy by not pushing against the crowd and by refraining from shouting or screaming.
  • Communicate with those around you using sign language (point, wave, even use your eyes)
  • Keep your hands above your chest, as if you are a boxer; This allows you to move and protects your chest.
  • If you are in danger, ask the crowd for help.
  • If someone extends their hand to help, hold them to keep them upright.

how to escape stampede

Reports state that the accordion method was invented by Paul to help him get over a crush.

“After being pushed forward like a wave, there is a silence. That silence is your opportunity to walk, and you walk diagonally between people’s pockets. People are always separated by space. A few steps sideways, another wave rises.” then a few steps into the next silence. You work your way up like this until you reach the perimeter.”

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