Houston releases permits issued in advance of Astroworld Festival
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The deadly chaos and confusion inside Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival have led to a multitude of questions about how and why this happened, and if the venue and staff were properly prepared.
NRG Park remains secured as the investigation into the deaths and injuries is ongoing. No official causes of death have yet been released for the victims who died on Friday, Nov. 5.
On Monday, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner released the following statement:
"I met with Travis Scott and his head of security for a few minutes last Friday prior to the main event. I expressed my concerns regarding public safety and that in my 31 years of law enforcement I have never seen a time with more challenges facing citizens of all ages, to include a global pandemic and social tension throughout the nation. I asked Travis Scott and his team to work with HPD for all events over the weekend and to be mindful of his team's social media messaging on any unscheduled events. The meeting was brief and respectful and a chance for me to share my public safety concerns as chief of police. As I have previously stated, our criminal investigation continues. We are asking everyone to be considerate of the grieving families during this incredibly difficult time. Please continue to lift them up in prayer."
Mayor Sylvester Turner released all permits filed with the city related to the 2021 Astroworld Fest. The permits are shared with the Mayor's Office of Special Events, Houston Health Department, and the Houston Fire Department. The list of permits is not exhaustive, as some were filed with Harris County, since the county owns the property where the event was held and the agreement for the event was between the producer, Live Nation, and NRG.
The city has permits for: street closures surrounding the event; fire prevention permits for tents, food preparation and pyrotechnics; code enforcement and Inspector application; a list of approved food and beverage vendors. According to the mayor's office, Occupancy Permits are not issued for events that are held entirely outdoors, as was the case with Astroworld Fest. Houston's Administrative and Regulatory Affairs department does not issue noise permits at NRG Park, as it is owned by Harris County. Similarly, the safety plan would be filed by the event producer with the property owners, officials say.
"I continue to pray for the families of those who have died, and on behalf of the City, I send my best wishes to those who are recovering," said Mayor Turner. "The city is on a global stage as we investigate what happened, and I believe releasing this information in an expedient and transparent manner will show our commitment to a thorough investigation."
Below is a list of permits filed with the City of Houston related to the event:
HFD Occupant Safety Intervention Application
HFD Pyrotecnico - Flames and Pyrotechnics
HFD Spectrum - Liquid Gas, Assembly, Tent
Houston Health - Food Permit Application
Houston Health - Permit List Food and Beverage
