While festivals are meant to be all about fun & frolic, sometimes they can go horribly wrong and cause devastation!
A lot could go wrong when a large gathering of people come together in the midst of mind-altering substances for a massive outdoor festival. It would really suck if something was to go drastically wrong amid what should be the best weekend of your life. Most outdoor festivals take place without a glitch. However, every so often, erratic weather conditions, fires and even outright murders can disrupt the peace of the occasion.
The Sherp lists down some of the disasters that have occurred during festivals:
1.Β Love Parade, Germany
In 2010, 21 people died due to suffocation and more than 500 were injured at this electronic dance music festival in Duisburg. The locationβs capacity was limited to 250,000 people, but it was attended by an estimated 1.4 million people causing a stampede.
2.Β CromaΓ±Γ³n, Argentina
A tragic fire broke out when Buenos Aires band Callejeros was scheduled to perform in December 2004. Apparently, the fire was started by an audience member who set off a firework which ignited the ceiling. Among the 194 people who died were relatives of the band members, the band managerβs wife and the lead singerβs girlfriend.
3.Β Electric Daisy Carnival, Texas
A 19-year-old boy died and around 30 people were hospitalized on the night of June 18, 2011 in Dallas due to heat, hydration, alcohol and drug-related illness. Los Angeles-based Insomniac Events was charged with overcrowding and obstruction of justice.
4.Β Pukkelpop, Belgium
Violent winds lashed the festival grounds causing the stage to topple over, uprooting of trees and destruction of tents. Five people died and dozens were severely wounded in August 2011. Within a fortnight of the tragedy, a private foundation initiated a relief fund of loved ones of those killed.
5.Β Indiana State Fair, Indiana
Despite a weather warning issued by the police to the attendees of this concert, the event went on as planned. A gust of high wind estimated at 60 miles per hour blew off the equipment from the top of the stage, consequently causing the stage to collapse. Five were killed and about 45 injured. Several days later, a sixth person succumbed to his injuries.
And thatβs not all! If you thought beer was the most sedate drink, you could be highly mistaken. Last week, a 45-year-old man died after winning a beer contest in Spain! He reportedly consumed 12.5 pints (6 liters!) of beer in 20 minutes. His victory was momentary as he began to vomit soon after and didnβt stop! He suffered a cardiac arrest and was immediately rushed to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after.