TRAVIS SCOTT has said he is 'devastated' following the deaths of eight people at Astroworld music festival on Friday.
The rapper and event founder expressed his grief in a statement and offered prayers to the deceased.
Houston Police have launched a criminal investigation into the tragedy, which claimed the lives of eight people aged from 14 to 27.
The deaths are believed to have followed a crowd surge at NRG Park during a performance by headliner Scott.
A further 25 people were hospitalised, with 11 reportedly suffering from cardiac arrest.
'Total support'
"I'm absolutely devastated by what took place last night," read Scott's statement.
"My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival.
"Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life.
"I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need.
"Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department and NRG Park for their immediate response and support.
"Love You All."
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said part of their investigation will focus on reports people were injected with drugs at the event.
In a separate video, Houston native Scott urged anyone with information that could aid the authorities to come forward.
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"We've been working closely with everyone who's just trying to get to the bottom of this — the City of Houston, Houston PD, Fire Department, everyone — to help us figure this out, so if you have any information please just contact the local authorities," said Scott.
The rapper, who stopped the show several times to ask security to help fans, also appeared to address claims that the show initially appeared to continue as events unfolded.
"My fans really mean the world to me and I always just want to leave them with a positive experience," he said.
"Any time I can make out anything that is going on I'll just stop the show and help them get the help they need.
"I could just never have imagined the severity of the situation."
