28 Oct 2020

Ten years after the disaster at the Love Parade in Duisburg (July 24, 2010), the expert network for protection, rescue, and security (vfdb) has recalled the high standards for improving security at major events. 

In the accident on June 24, 2010, 21 people died and more than 500 were injured.

contribution to safety

Dr. Dirk Oberhagemann made a significant contribution to safety at future events

According to vfdb General Secretary - Dr. Dirk Oberhagemann made a significant contribution to safety at future events. Numerous events were attended as part of the research project, 'Risk of major events – planning, assessment, EVAcuation, and rescue concepts – EVA' coordinated by the vfdb.

"Since 2009, flows of people have been filmed and analyzed to be able to derive general statements about the planning of major events,” says Dr. Dirk Oberhagemann, adding “The Love Parade in Duisburg was also part of it back then.

information sheets and standards

More than ten hours of film material was created there, which helped to clarify the dramatic events. The technical report - 'Static and dynamic crowd densities at major events' published at the end of the project serves as a standard work for planners, organizers, and university teaching.

Oberhagemann also points to the research project - 'Building blocks for the security of major events – BaSiGo', which was started two years after the Duisburg Love Parade with the participation of the vfdb. As a result, the vfdb published six information sheets on event safety:

  •     Security concept for major events.
  •     Security barriers at events.
  •     Fire protection requirements for markets, street festivals, and similar events.
  •     Escape and rescue routes at outdoor events.
  •     Use of pyrotechnics at outdoor events.
  •     Fire security guard service and medical service at events.

Improving event safety

These information sheets represent the state of the art today and serve to improve the safety of major events,” emphasizes the vfdb General Secretary - Dr. Dirk Oberhagemann.

He adds, “This means that one of the vfdb’s goals has been achieved, namely to develop and publish assistance for end users in the areas of protection, rescue, and security from innovative research projects.”