Germany Remembers Love Parade Victims
Tragedy struck the Germany last week as 21 people were crushed to death at the dance music festival Love Parade.
The festival, which originated in Berlin in 1989, has traveled across Germany as well as internationally and this year took place in the western German city of Duisburg. Internationally renowned electronic dance music DJs were invited to the event where over 1 million filled a former cargo train station.
While the precise cause of the accident is yet to be determined, it has become clear that authorities were unable to control the massively overcrowded areas. A tunnel, the location of the stampede which led to the death of 21 festival-goers and injured over 500, was the only entrance and exit to the entire festival area.
Tens of thousands are expected to attend a memorial service for the victims of the tragedy on Saturday 31 July at the Salvatorkirche. Among calls for his resignation, the Duisburg Mayor Adolf Sauerland is said not to be planning to attend. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to attend.
In light of this year's tragedy, organizers have called off all future Love Parade events.