The Pukkelpop music festival in Hasselt, Belgium, has been cancelled after yesterday evening's disaster when high winds and rain led to the collapse of two stages which left at least five people dead and as many as 100 seriously injured.
Organisers of the festival, of which attendances can reach as high as 180,000, said that they were "deeply moved" by yesterday's events and could not carry on with the festival.
The disaster occurred on Thursday evening during gale force winds. Uprooted trees fell against the Chateau Stage, causing it to collapse under the weight as The Smith Westerns were on stage. The band narrowly avoided injury, however much of their equipment was damaged. A second stage was also seriously damaged by trees.
An official statement by organisers said: "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.
Festival-goer Laura Elegeert spoke to the Daily Mail and said: "It was utter confusion, mass panic. People were trying to get out of this tent that collapsed by using their pocket-knives and cutting holes in the fabric."
This latest festival disaster comes less than a week after the collapse of a stage at the Indiana State Fair. Five died in that incident.