Unbelievable.
The Love Parade, a techno- and trance-focused DJ-led event, turned deadly late Saturday afternoon as attendees were trapped in a tunnel leading to the main concert site. The exact cause of the crush was difficult to pinpoint, but numerous eyewitness accounts and reports from the German and British media seemed to indicate the tunnel exit was closed when it was determined the event was at capacity. Yet those awaiting to get in continued to move forward even as those at the end of the tunnel attempted to turn around.
More on the story as it develops, but at this point it’s a horrible and constant reminder to be safe at these festivals wherever possible. Given the setup of the event and the numbers it drew, this could fall in the hands of shoddy logistics management that is already being blamed in the media. Our hearts go out fully with any friends, family and festival fans that were in attendance or may have had a friend injured. So tragic.
Further…
The tragedy comes as dance-focused events have fallen under increased scrutiny, especially in Los Angeles. This summer’s Electric Daisy Carnival at L.A. Memorial Coliseum and adjoining Exposition Park led to more than 100 hospitalizations. A 15-year-old girl died of a suspected drug overdose after attending the two-day dance event.
Plus the issues that went down at the Cow Palace in San Fran recently…be careful out there, people.
