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TRAGIC ACCIDENT AT ROSKILDE FESTIVAL IN DENMARK "Late on Friday night 8 people, all male, lost their lives during a concert on Roskilde Festival's main stage. Furthermore 1 person (male) is badly injured. According to the information so far the accident is due to a number of people in the crowd in front of the stage lost their balance, and the accident occurred. All disposable rescue personnel were drawn to the front of the stage, and the injured people were immediately brought to Roskilde Hospital. Technical investigations are presently taking place. The festival is expected to continue after an evaluation of how the event can continue despite of the accident and with the deepest respect for the perished. Identification has not yet taken place. Anxious relatives of guests on Roskilde Festival can contact the nearest police office for information - as guests on the festival are encouraged to get in touch with relatives in order to inform of their being. On the festival site emergency relief is available. Everybody on the festival are deeply concerned with the accident and wish to express their sympathy with relatives." (Official Statement, Roskilde Festival, June 30th 2000) "During the Pearl Jam concert we received reports that a group of people had fallen or been knocked down near the arched fence and that it had been impossible for our security staff to pull them out over the fence. For this reason a message was passed to the lead singer that the concert was to called off. The audience was asked to take three steps backwards. We realised quickly how serious the situation was. Ambulance were called when it became apparent that about ten people were in need of emergency care. After this, first-aid people, ambulance personnel, other emergency crews and police did what they could. Now we are sitting here and can ascertain that eight people are dead and three injured," a visibly shaken Leif Skov told a press conference early on Saturday morning at the festival's head office. The festival continues." (Press Conference, Saturday Morning) Due to this tragedy, Pearl Jam cancelled the remaining dates of their european tour, including their appearance at the werchter festival on july 2nd. "The Cure stage equipment had already been set up (except for the guitars) when they said that The Cure would not play. They said that Robert was sorry to have to cancel, but they would be back another time." Studio Brussels has reported that The Cure WILL perform at the Werchter festival. back |