Pukkelpop 2011 Called Off, Stage Collapse Death Toll Rises To Five

Pukkelpop festival has called off the rest of the event following yesterday’s (August 18th) stage collapse.

The number of dead has risen to five overnight, with initial official reports quoting three fatalities and over 70 injured.

A huge storm caused The Chateau stage to collapse shortly before Smith Westerns were due to play. It is believed trees were uprooted and collided with the rigging.

A statement from organisers reads:

‘Pukkelpop is in deep mourning. We truly sympathise with the families and friends of the victims. Words are not enough. We have struggled with the decision to continue the festival. Therefore we have decided to cancel Pukkelpop 2011. What has happened is very exceptional and could not have been predicted. We are deeply moved by all the spontaneous support the festival goers and the organisation have received. We call on all Pukkelpoppers to return home calmly. Extra buses and trains have been organised to bring everybody home. We ask everyone to understand that this decision was extremely difficult to make.’