Teenager injured in TRNSMT crowd crush wins four-figure payout

A teenager who was injured in a crowd crush at Scotland's most popular music festival is set to receive a four-figure payout following legal action.

Jessica Gatherer from East Kilbride suffered a knee injury ahead of Becky Hill's headline set at TRNSMT in Glasgow Green on 9 July 2023.

The 19-year-old took legal action against organisers DF Concerts and security firms ESM Operations and G4S, claiming they all had responsibility for crowd safety but all three denied liability.

ESM and DF settled the claim out of court on a 50/50 basis while G4S was released from the action.

Gatherer, her boyfriend and another friend were at the front of a crowd in a holding area for nearly two hours on the final day of the festival.

Her representatives at Digby Brown said security guards removed a fencing panel so fans could enter the arena.

They claimed this caused a surge of movement and build-up of people and, in a bid to stop the fence panel falling over, guards pushed it upright against the oncoming crowd.

Gatherer ended up pinned against the fence and had to be pulled free by her boyfriend and friend.

The group went to the festival first aid tent at Glasgow Green then Wishaw General Hospital, where she was treated for torn ligaments in her left knee and soft tissue damage throughout her leg.

The teenager, who had been due to go on a family holiday a week later, spent five months with a knee splint and crutches and was unable to work for six months.

"It was complete chaos," Gatherer said.

"The recovery was really difficult – not just the physical pain but the mental stress of missing out on so much and being dependant on others.

"I couldn't walk, I couldn't even clean myself without help – it was mortifying."

She said her whole life was affected and she has never had an apology.

Solicitors argued venue bosses did not have the right infrastructure in place and that staff did not follow risk assessments.

The law firm also argued that CCTV showed there was an opportunity to let people enter the arena earlier which would have reduced the risk of a crowd surge.

David Wilson, partner at Digby Brown, said: "Gigs and festivals can be rowdy but that's precisely why crowd control measures exist.

"Proper risk assessments, trained staff, safe practices and appropriate fencing and infrastructure ensures risk is minimised and music fans – no matter their physical size – are able to enjoy the experience safely.

"Legal actions of this nature are very rare and it's a real shame Jessica was hurt in the way she was but we're happy to have helped and hope this reminds all events organisers to just follow the safety guidance so everyone can enjoy the music and get home safe."

DF Concerts has been contacted for comment.