Teen injured in crush at TRNSMT festival wins four-figure sum in compensation

A teenage girl who was injured after being crushed at TRNSMT festival is to receive a four-figure payout following legal action.

Jessica Gatherer suffered a knee injury while attending the Glasgow Green festival with her boyfriend and a friend on July 9, 2023.

The 19-year-old from East Kilbride had been in a holding area for two hours waiting to enter a stage to see Becky Hill when she was crushed against a fence.

The teenager took legal action against ESM Operations, G4S and DF Concerts – which all denied liability – on the basis that they all had responsibility for crowd safety.

Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Jessica, argued that a delay in opening up the stage led to a dangerous build-up of fans.

They claimed that security guards removing a fencing panel sparked a surge of movement, forcing them to push the fence upright against the oncoming crowd.

The teenager suffered torn ligaments in her left knee and soft tissue damage throughout her leg Digby Brown

The teenager ended up pinned against the fence and had to be pulled free.

The group made their way to A&E at Wishaw General Hospital, after attending the festival’s first aid tent, where Jessica was treated for torn ligaments in her left knee and soft tissue damage throughout her leg.

She required a knee splint and crutches for five months and was unable to work or attend a family holiday to Turkey.

“The recovery was really difficult – not just the physical pain but the mental stress of missing out on so much and being dependent on others”, Jessica said.

“I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t even clean myself without help – it was mortifying.

“I was just physically and emotionally shattered by the whole thing from the crush to my recovery – there wasn’t a single part of my life that wasn’t affected by this.

“One thing I found really frustrating was the lack of first response care from the festival organisers, and to top it off, the accident report I filled out was apparently ‘misplaced’.

“It was the build-up of these things that made me want to seek legal help, especially when I had no other way to recover six months of lost wages.”

Recalling the incident, she said: “It was complete chaos. To this day, I’ve never had an apology.”

Digby Brown Solicitors argued that venue bosses lacked the necessary infrastructure and that staff failed to follow risk assessments.

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

Jessica Gatherer was injured at TRNSMT festival Digby Brown

The case was settled out of court this month for a four-figure sum – ESM and DF settled the claim on a 50/50 basis, while G4S was released from the action.

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 event organisers to just follow the safety guidance so everyone can enjoy the music and get home safe.”

DF Concerts and ESM have been contacted for comment.