33 hurt in festival lightning strikes

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Germany’s Rock Am Ring hit twice in heavy weather

33 people were hurt at Germany’s Rock Am Ring festival when the site was hit by lightning twice.

The first bolt struck the backstage area at 1am on Saturday morning, in Mendig, western Germany, injuring eight production staff.

Lightning-proof tents were opened for campers to shelter before a second bolt struck at 4am, injuring 25 people in one of the campsites.

Local police say the victims were taken to nearby hospitals for observation and no severe injuries were sustained.

Around 90,000 are in attendance at Rock Am Ring, which ends today (Sunday) with sets from Slipknot, the Foo Fighters, Motorhead, In Flames and others.

Meanwhile, Clutch have pulled out of their planned appearance as a result of “emergency family matters” – but the band vow they’ll return to action in time for their club shows in Luxembourg, Belgium and their set at the UK’s Download festival on June 12.

Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.