August 9, 2010 16:44

Around 40 people injured after 'severe thunderstorm' hits Finland's Sonisphere festival

Iggy Pop, Motley Crue, Alice Cooper's sets at the festival among those affected

Photo Gallery: Iron Maiden
Photo: Pa Photos

Two people have been seriously injured at the Finnish leg of Sonisphere festival on Sunday (August 8) after a "severe thunderstorm" struck the site.

Organisers said that around 40 people in total were treated for minor injuries after the storm struck yesterday afternoon. Despite it only lasting for around five minutes, it managed to damage much of the site, leaving the second stage beyond repair.

Writing on UK.sonispherefestivals.com, organisers said: "Approximately 40 people were injured, two of them seriously so. The injured people are currently receiving treatment in hospital."

Although several bands were forced to cancel their appearances at the festival – including Motley Crue, whose drumkit was broken by the storm – several acts carried on. Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, who introduced Alice Cooper onto the Main Stage shortly after the thunderstorm, said: "The stage over there is completely fucked. Motley Crue have gone home as their stuff is fucked and our stuff is fucked, but we don't care. We're not going home until you go home."

Roadies apparently plugged in upwards of 30 hairdryers to dry what equipment was salvageable and get it working again, while other bands at the festival also chipped in and offered theirs.

Following the last minute attempts to dry and replace equipment, both Cooper and Iron Maiden were able to play full sets at the festival.

The festival tours Europe and recently took place at Knebworth House in the UK (July 30- August 1). See NME.COM/festivals for coverage.