Fast forward one year and the same festival near the western town of Mendig was briefly suspended after at least 72 people were injured in a lightning storm. Last weekend, 35 people were injured, three seriously, when lightning struck a football match in south-west Germany.
Advertisement
One of the France’s worst affected regions is Loiret, not far from the capital, where more than 5,000 have now been forced to leave their homes.
The festival, now in its 31st year and with the Red HotChili Peppers and Black Sabbath at the top of the billing this year, takes place at the airport in Mendig, near the Nuerburgring motor racing track.
Local authorities withdrew the festival’s permit since more storms had been forecast for the area later on Sunday, said a spokeswoman.
Eight people were seriously injured, the festival organiser said.
Performances were suspended on Saturday during continued thunderstorms, forcing numerous 92,000 fans at the open-air event to shelter in cars and tents.
Rock Am Ring was due to go ahead today, but due to continued storms has had to be cancelled. However, the annual musical event may resume around 8 p.m. if weather improves.
The German Red Cross said several of those hurt had suffered electric shocks from lightning strikes at the Rock am Ring festival, while others were hit by flying debris.
Central Europe has been hit by severe storms and rain, leading to 11 deaths in Germany.
As reports continue to come in, the numbers have risen, with the injury toll now listed at 71 with 15 hospitalized due to serious injuries according to RT.
Advertisement
At least 16 people have been killed in the flooding, including 11 in southern Germany.
