More than 40 people were injured after lightning struck Rock Am Ring festival in Mendig, western Germany.
Police said that lighting hit at around 8.30pm, injuring “many” people at the site, causing firefighters and ambulances to be sent to the scene as an emergency information hotline was set up.
“A severe thunderstorm with lightning strikes has caused multiple injuries at the festival grounds in Mending,” organizers said in a statement on early Saturday morning. “Police, firefighters and the Red Cross responded and were able to reach those affected quickly.”
Local media reports said up to 51 people had been injured, while Rock am Ring organisers said 42 people had been taken to hospital, including eight with serious injuries.
Rock Am Ring have set up an information hotline for those worried about loved ones and relatives on 0261 1032345.
Bands including Of MICE & MEN, TENACIOUS D, AMON AMARTH, BREAKING BENJAMIN, DISTURBED, PUSCIFER, VOLBEAT, TESSERACT, ISSUES AND PANIC! AT THE DISCO were on the Friday bill, which was resumed after the thunderstorm had passed.
Last year, at least 33 people were injured when lightning struck the Rock Am Ring festival twice.
