15 Injured After Storm Hits Music Festival in Slovakia

A violent thunderstorm wreaked havoc on the Pohoda music festival in western Slovakia, resulting in at least 15 injuries.

The storm, which brought powerful wind gusts, caused the collapse of a stage and a large tent, endangering festivalgoers.

The severe weather struck on Friday evening, disrupting the annual event held near the Czech border. 

Emergency services reported that of the 15 injured, 14 required hospital treatment. Most injuries were minor, such as lacerations, but one individual suffered a hip fracture.

The Pohoda Festival, known for its diverse musical acts, faced significant damage. Smaller tents, food and drink stalls, and power lines were also affected, leading to a temporary power outage for 135,000 households in the region.

The festival's organizers decided to cancel the remaining events, citing safety concerns and the need for thorough structural inspections.

Scheduled performances by popular acts like Morcheeba and Royal Blood were halted as the festival was forced to end prematurely.

The local prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident as a potential criminal act of public endangerment.

This year's Pohoda Festival was expected to draw a crowd of 30,000 attendees, marking another milestone since its inception in 1997.

The unexpected storm has left the community and festivalgoers in shock, underscoring the vulnerability of large gatherings to sudden natural events.