Lightning strikes hurt dozens in Germany rock festival

Two people reportedly needed resuscitating after lightning hit the Rock am Ring festival

At least 51 people were injured, eight seriously, when lightning struck at a rock festival in western Germany early on Saturday, police say. Organisers of the Rock am Ring festival, which is headlined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, said lightning hit at 00:30 local time (22:30 GMT).


Police told German media two people had to be resuscitated. Central Europe has been hit by severe storms and rain over the past few weeks, leading to 11 deaths in Germany.

The festival also suffered lightning strikes last year, when 33 people were taken to hospital. The organisers of Rock am Ring, now in its 31st year, said this year's event would continue, and that clear weather was expected on Saturday.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are among several bands, including Foals, Deftones and We Are Scientists, expected to perform on Saturday. Some 45,000 people are expected to attend over the course of the weekend.
Last weekend, 35 people were injured, three seriously, when lightning struck a football match in south-west Germany. A further 11 people were hurt by a lightning strike in a Paris park where a children's birthday party was taking place.