Mapping crowd safety risks at a global scale: Crowd crushes, terror attacks, and extreme weathe

¹ Vereinigung zur Förderung des Deutschen Brandschutzes e.V., Münster, Germany
² Johanniter University of Applied Science, Germany
³ Clear Current Consulting, Vancouver, Canada
⁴ The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
⁵ The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

^* e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 12 September 2025

Abstract

Mass gatherings are an integral aspect of societal life but pose significant safety risks due to crowd crushes, terrorist attacks, and extreme weatherrelated disruptions. This study integrates three distinct datasets—crowd crush incidents, terrorist attacks targeting crowds, and mass event cancellations caused by extreme weather—to identify patterns of risks associated with large crowd gatherings. Combining these datasets, we perform a comprehensive analysis highlighting the geographic, temporal, and socioeconomic factors influencing crowd vulnerabilities. The findings reveal that crowd crushes and terrorist attacks account for the majority of high-risk episodes, with notable disparities in occurrence across income levels and regions. Accidents in lowerand middle-income countries demonstrate heightened vulnerability to crowd crushes and terror attacks, while extreme weather-related cancellations primarily affect high-income countries. This reflects clear disparities in risk management priorities. A significant strength of this dataset lies in its ability to support the development of safety scenarios and early interventions tailored to vulnerable populations. This work underscores the importance of globally inclusive data collection and rigorous methods to create actionable safety standards. The insights gained from this study can inform policymakers, urban planners, and event organizers, enabling the design of effective mitigation strategies for crowd safety on a global scale.