The spectator seriously injured after a tree branch fell on the audience during the Rock & Cars festival in Lavaur in Tarn, finally died on the evening of this Saturday, June 8, 2024. The festival is canceled.
A serious accident occurred on Saturday June 8 late in the afternoon on the site of the Rock & Cars festival in Lavaur in the Tarn department, in the Evêché gardens. Shortly before the start of the concerts, a large tree branch suddenly fell on the audience, dragging a second branch with it.
About 15 spectators were at the base of the tree when the branches fell. Although most were able to get out of the way in time, 4 people were unfortunately caught under the branches. In total, 5 spectators were injured, including one seriously who had to be evacuated in absolute emergency by the emergency services. The latter, a British citizen, died in the evening, as the festival organizers indicate on their Facebook account:
The Red Cross present on the scene quickly intervened to provide first aid, helped by spectators and the organizers to clear the branches, reports Tarn Libre. A security perimeter was set up and the branches evacuated by municipal services. THE Mayor of Lavaur, Bernard Carayon, present on site, finally took the decision to cancel the festival evening and ask the public to evacuate the premises. This Sunday, the festival was to continue. Bernard Carayon has decided to stop concerts.
In a press release, the mayor of Lavaur indicates that “an in-depth administrative investigation will be launched this Monday”. The councilor recalls that “the trees in this garden were pruned a few months ago as we do regularly for all trees in public spaces.” Two cedars had been cut down there following advice from the National Forestry Office.
As a precaution, the elected official finally specifies that he “had access to the Chais des Clauzades park which was preparing to host a young sports competition today.”
