estampida

Estampida is a term used to describe a sudden, mass rush of a crowd or of animals in panic, often accompanied by loud noise and a rapid, disorganized movement. The word derives from the Spanish verb estampar, meaning to stamp, and evokes the image of many feet striking the ground in unison as the group moves. The phenomenon can occur in wildlife, livestock, and human crowds, and it commonly results in trampling, injury, or fatalities.

In animal contexts, a stampede typically involves a herd or herdlike group fleeing a threat such as predators, a loud disturbance, or perceived danger. The movement is fast and difficult to stop, and the direction is often governed by the path of least resistance and the availability of open space.

In human contexts, stampedes are associated with crowded events, evacuations, or situations of fear and confusion. They can occur at sports arenas, concerts, religious gatherings, or transit hubs, particularly where exits are blocked, visibility is reduced, or crowd density is high.

Prevention focuses on crowd management and safety design: providing adequate egress capacity, reducing bottlenecks, using barriers to prevent choke points, clear signage and lighting, trained staff, and effective communication with attendees. Early detection of rising pressure zones and rapid incident response are crucial to reducing harm.