At least eight people were killed and scores injured in a crush at a music festival in Houston, Texas, on Friday night.

The incident at the Astroworld Festival happened when the crowd began pushing towards the stage during a performance by rapper Travis Scott, according to Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena.

"We had at least eight confirmed fatalities tonight and scores of individuals that were injured," Pena said.

"That caused some panic and it started causing some injuries, people began to fall out, become unconscious and it created additional panic," he told a press conference.

The fire department said 17 people were taken to hospital for treatment, and 11 of those suffered cardiac arrest.

It was unclear what caused the disaster.

Authorities said more than 300 people were injured throughout the day at the event, including some with minor scrapes and bruises.

(With input from agencies)