If crowds of people start to panic, this can quickly become dangerous. Scientists, engineers and rescue services are teaming up to find ways to evacuate public places as swiftly as possible in the event of an emergency.
Scientists want to prevent such disasters. They are studying how people react in groups and how they can quickly be brought to safety in an emergency. At the same time engineers are working on surveillance systems that predict excessively high crowd densities in good time. The aim is to prevent panic and the mass accidents this can result in. By issuing advance warnings and providing security forces with appropriate information, surveillance and evacuation systems can increase safety and help to prevent tragedies involving large crowds.
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