An investigation into the horrific stampede which left dozens injured at the Lorne leg of Falls Festival last year has found there is “insufficient evidence” to prosecute festival organisers over the incident.
In a statement release today, WorkSafe Victoria says its “comprehensive investigation” found that “all the conditions imposed by various bodies in relation to the event, such as crowd control, crowd size, and positioning and size of exits, had been met”.
WorkSafe says it therefore doesn’t have enough evidence to prosecute event organisers Ash Sounds Pty Ltd under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and “no further action will be taken”.
Despite the investigation coming to an end, Falls Festival organisers are still facing a class action lawsuit over the stampede, which left 19 people hospitalised.
You can read WorkSafe Victoria’s full statement alongside exclusive video of the Falls Festival stampede, below.
Falls Festival is set to return later this year, and has already sold out in Byron Bay and Lorne. For all the details of the festival’s new dates and lineup, head here.
Warning: Some Viewers May Find This Footage Distressing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkqStTvQOYM
WorkSafe Victoria Statement (06/11/17)
Following a comprehensive investigation, WorkSafe has determined there is insufficient evidence to prosecute event organiser Ash Sounds Pty Ltd in relation to an incident at the company’s Falls Music and Arts Festival in Lorne last year.
Nineteen people were hospitalised and seventy-six required first aid treatment after they were trampled and crushed in a crowd surge at the festival just before 10pm on December 30, 2016.
WorkSafe’s investigation revealed that all the conditions imposed by various bodies in relation to the event, such as crowd control, crowd size, and positioning and size of exits, had been met.
As a result, WorkSafe found there was insufficient evidence to establish any offence under the 2004 OHS Act and no further action will be taken.
