Astroworld: Travis Scott promises to pay funeral costs for victims

Travis Scott has said he will cover the funeral costs of the eight people who died at his Astroworld music festival.

The 30-year-old rapper said he is “absolutely devastated” by the tragedy, and he has cancelled an upcoming festival appearance.

Travis will also partner with counselling service BetterHelp to provide mental health support for those who were affected by what officials have declared a “mass casualty incident”, according to a press release issued on the incident.

Travis will also give full refunds to all those who bought tickets to the festival, according to the release.

It added: “These are the first of many steps Travis plans on taking as a part of his personal vow to assist those affected throughout their grieving and recovery process.”

In a video posted to his Instagram stories, the Goosebumps singer said: “I’m honestly just devastated. I could never imagine anything like this happening.

“My fans really mean the world to me, and I always really wanna leave them with a positive experience. Any time I can make out anything that’s going on, I’d stop the show and help them get the help they need. I could just never imagine the severity of the situation,” he said.

Others have also posted messages of shock and condolences, including Drake who also played at Astroworld with Travis to perform their song Sicko Mode.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Drake said: “I’ve spent the past few days trying to wrap my mind around this devastating tragedy.

“I hate resorting to this platform to express an emotion as delicate as grief but this is where I find myself.

“My heart is broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and for anyone who is suffering. I will continue to pray for all of them and will be of service in any way I can. May God be with you all.”

Kylie Jenner - Travis’ girlfriend and mother of a their 3-year-old daughter Stormi – also paid tribute to victims on Instagram.

The 23-year-old Kylie Cosmetics owner said: “Travis and I are broken and devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with all who lost their lives, were injured or affected in any way by yesterday’s events. And also for Travis who I know cares deeply for his fans and the Houston community.”

Kylie added: “I want to make it clear we weren’t aware of any fatalities until the news came out after the show and in no world would have continued filming or performing.”

On Friday, eight people aged between 14 to 27 died and hundreds more were injured at the Astroworld festival in Houston, Texas.

At least 14 lawsuits have been filed against Travis, Drake and Astroworld organisers and a criminal investigation is ongoing.