A post-concert celebration turned into chaos for Beyoncé fans in Atlanta when an insect-induced panic led to a stampede on an escalator. The incident, occurring at the Vine City MARTA station after the final Atlanta show of the Cowboy Carter tour, resulted in 11 injuries, including a broken ankle, and multiple hospitalizations.
Insect Causes Escalator Chaos After Beyoncé Concert
What began as a routine departure from Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Beyoncé’s highly anticipated concert quickly devolved into a scene of panic and injury. As concertgoers navigated the crowded Vine City MARTA station, a sudden scream, reportedly from a 10-year-old girl startled by a cockroach or “palmetto bug,” triggered a chain reaction. The initial scream led to a rush on an already packed escalator, causing it to malfunction by temporarily speeding up before abruptly stopping. This sudden movement sent people tumbling, piling on top of each other.
Key Takeaways
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Cause of Stampede: An insect (cockroach/palmetto bug) startled a concertgoer, leading to a scream and subsequent panic.
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Location: Vine City MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) station escalator.
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Injuries: 11 people injured, with one broken ankle and seven transported to the hospital for cuts and scrapes.
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Escalator Malfunction: The escalator temporarily sped up and then stopped due to the sudden weight and movement of the crowd.
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MARTA Response: Officials are investigating the incident and plan to implement more aggressive staffing for crowd control at future events.
Details of the Incident
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) confirmed the incident, stating that police on the scene heard a scream and witnesses reported it was in reaction to an insect. MARTA’s Senior Director of Communications, Stephany Fisher, detailed the injuries:
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One person suffered a broken ankle.
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Seven people were transported to the hospital with cuts and scrapes.
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One person declined hospital transport.
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Two people requested medical assistance after reaching their destinations.
MARTA officials, including acting CEO Rhonda Allen, stated that the escalator had passed inspection days prior. However, the sheer volume and sudden, panicked movement of the crowd overwhelmed the system, causing the malfunction. Allen emphasized that the transit authority would be adopting a more proactive approach to managing crowd flow, particularly on escalators, during large events.
Broader Context and Aftermath
This unfortunate event marked a chaotic end to Beyoncé’s Atlanta leg of the Cowboy Carter tour. The incident also follows a separate security concern earlier in the tour, where unreleased music and tour plans were stolen from a rental car belonging to Beyoncé’s crew. While unrelated, both incidents highlight challenges faced during large-scale events.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the escalator malfunction, with the escalator currently barricaded and under review by manufacturers and MARTA Safety officials. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.
