Recent tragedies in Chicago and Providence, R.I., should be fair warning to university students to be wary of large crowds in small spaces.

Earlier this week, several dozen people were trampled to death in a Chicago nightclub after security workers sprayed mace to break up a fight.

The club did not have a permit to operate.

Then a pyrotechnic-sparked fire at a nightclub in Providence killed almost 100. Club officials said the band putting on the show had not been granted permission to use the effects.

University policy forbids students from going to dance or nightclubs where alcohol is served, but undoubtedly students do anyway. And even if they don’t, such situations are not limited to nightclubs.

Any time hundreds of people are packed into a small space, the smallest spark can mean hundreds of lives. Whether out in Abilene, Dallas or elsewhere over spring break, students should be mindful of the actions of those around them, wary of worst-case scenarios and always mindful of the exits.

Mob mentality has proven this week to be a consuming and deadly beast.

It pounces without warning and devours anyone in its path. As spring break approaches, keeping that in mind is one of the best safety procedure.