The families of the victims of the fatal car crash that killed four and injured 17 during this year’s South By Southwest conference in Austin, Texas have filed a lawsuit against the organisers of SXSW, claiming negligence in the implementation of proper safety precautions.
The annual conference turned tragic back in March after aspiring rapper Rashad Charjuan Owens, who is currently facing a lifetime prison sentence, allegedly drove a car into a crowd that was gathered outside of an Austin venue, which was hosting an event as part of the conference.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, the lawsuit, filed by eight victims, including the families of three of the people killed in the incident, names festival organisers, Owens, and a local engineering company that developed SXSW’s traffic management plan as liable parties.
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“We want to hold South by Southwest accountable for the deaths that were the result of an absolutely preventable tragedy,” said Scott Hendler, an Austin-based attorney representing the family of 35-year-old Dutch music executive Steven Craenmehr, who was killed in the incident.
“The owners, planners, and organisers of a downtown urban music festival should have recognised that risk given their nearly three decades of experience holding the festival,” one of the suits filed reads. “If SXSW had adhered to industry standards and utilised adequate traffic control measures, Steven Craenmehr would be alive today.”
The claimants are seeking unspecified damages and come as the organisers of the world-famous music and culture conference are looking to implement new safety procedures that could change the way the festival operates and its rights within the city of Austin.
In a statement issued in response to the suit (via KVUE), SXSW organiser write, “What happened on Red River was a terrible tragedy, caused by Rashad Owen’s utter disregard of human life. Our hearts continue to ache for those injured and the families of those who lost their lives. We look forward to his prosecution for his awful crimes.”
