Plug is pulled on German rock festival after dozens inured in lightning storms

The third and final day of a rock festival in western Germany has been abandoned after scores of people were injured in a lightning storm and forecasters predicted more severe weather. The plug was pulled on Sunday’s line-up "out of responsibility for the welfare" of the roughly 90,000 people at the Rock am Ring event in Mendig. The decision came amid criticism of organsiers for failing to do enough to protect festival-goers from the storms which struck on Friday. Organisers had suspended the event for a few hours before the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed on Saturday evening but stopped short of cancelling the whole festival.

It’s not about causing panic but giving people the feeling that someone is looking after them.

Marek Lieberberg, head of the organizers.The German Red Cross

More than 70 people needed hospital treatment after extreme weather hit the Rock am Ring event on Friday evening. Some victims suffered electric shocks and one person remains in a critical condition. While performances were suspended on Saturday during continued thunderstorms, many of the fans at the open-air event were forced to shelter in cars and tents. Organisers were forced to cancel it after local authorities revoked its licence early on Sunday, when Biffy Clyro were due to be headlining. Fans were told to clear the festival grounds by noon.

rock am ring