Pukkelpop cancelled after stage collapse kills five people

Pukklepop festival in Belgium has been cancelled after a severe storm hit the festival, causing major damage to two stages, killing five people and injuring many more.

According to reports, the festival 40 miles east of Brussels attended by around 60,000 people was hit by the storm during yesterday evening, causing major damage to the main open-air stage as well as causing the second tented stage (in a marquee) to collapse.

It's reported that five people have died and that around 70 people are injured.

Pukkelpop originally suspended the festival for the evening but have now decided to cancel the event entirely, urging festival goers to return home. The statement they've issued 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.

Undoubtedly many of you have many practical questions. That is why we ask you to direct them to info@pukkelpop.be.

We ask everyone to understand that this decision was extremely difficult to make.

The festival was due to have performances by Eminem (with D12), Foo Fighters, Fleet Foxes, and many others.

Our sympathies go out to all those affected, and to the festival which we hope can return next year.

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