At least one person has died and around 20 more have been injured after a stage collapse at a music festival in Spain.
Authorities have said a 22-year-old man died after part of the main stage and a structure around the entrance of the Medusa Festival in Cullera collapsed.
Between 17 and 21 people are reported to be injured with nine of them said to be seriously injured. No update has yet been given on their condition.
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A spokesperson for the Civil Guard in Valencia said: “Due to a strong gust of wind the main entrance and main stage of the Medusa Festival in Cullera have collapsed. A man aged 22 has died.
“The festival enclosure was cleared of people and vehicles.The camping area has not had to be evacuated.”
In a statement, festival organisers said: “We are completely overcome and devastated at what happened in the early hours of this morning.
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“The Medusa Festival organisers wish to express our profound and sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of those affected by the fatal outcome of last night’s event.
“A few hours ago the town of Cullera and other surrounding areas suffered unexpected and exceptional weather conditions that caused damage to several parts of the concert enclosure.
“Around 4am a surprise and violent gale affected certain areas of the festival forcing organisers to take the immediate decision to evacuate the area to guarantee the safety of spectators, workers and artists gathered for the Medusa Festival.
“Unfortunately the devastating weather conditions led to some structures collapsing and causing the unexpected events.
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“All our support and affection to those affected at these difficult and sad moments in time.
“Our thoughts are with them at all times and we promise to do whatever we can for them as required.”
Footage of the incident shared online showed revellers trying to take refuge as a sandstorm engulfed the concert area as well as police attending to one of the victims lying on the ground.
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In an earlier statement, the organisers had announced they would be closing down the festival to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and performers.
The five-day festival started on Wednesday and was set to welcome around 320,000 revellers until closing on Sunday.
It was the first time the festival had been held since the coronavirus pandemic, with DJ David Guetta, Steve Aoki and Afrojack announced as some of the headline acts.
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Topics: World News
Claire Reid