Over 80 Injured As Lightning Strikes German Music Festival
MEP: The third day of a rock music festival in Germany featuring the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Black Sabbath has been cancelled after at least 82 people were injured in lightning strikes on Saturday.
The sell-out “Rock am Ring” festival, now in its 31st year and with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Black Sabbath at the top of the billing, took place at the airport in Mendig, near the Nuerburgring motor racing track, according to German authorities.
More than 90,000 people have attended the festival which was canceled on the early hours of Saturday.
However, with more storms forecast, authorities in the area revoked the event’s licence early on Sunday morning.
Organisers said they regretted the decision but accepted it because of the need to ensure the safety of fans. They asked participants to clear the festival grounds by noon on Sunday.
The event website initially reported 42 people were injured during lightning strikes on Friday, but the numbers rose to more than 82. At least eight people were hospitalized, according to the German Red Cross.
