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Hundreds injured after platform collapses into sea at Spanish festival

Nick Reilly

"The floor dropped like a lift."

More than 300 people have been injured after a section of wooden platform collapsed into the sea at a sports and music festival in Spain.

The platform was packed with people watching Majorcan rapper Rels B at the two-day O Marisquiño festival in the north-western city of Vigo.

Although police confirmed that there were no known fatalities, eyewitnesses reported widespread panic as spectators attempted to crawl to safety.

A small number of festival-goers fell into the sea before being rescued, while divers were tasked with ensuring that no spectators had become trapped underneath the pier.

The incident reportedly occurred during the beginning of Rels B’s set, shortly after he told the crowd to jump.

Speaking to local media, one eyewitness said: “The floor [of the platform] dropped like a lift. It was a matter of five seconds.

“It broke and we all fell. People fell on me. I had trouble getting out. I was trying to get out and skidded, my foot got stuck, in the water.

“I got it out. A boy gave me his hand and I got out. I felt paralysed and [then] I left. There was a girl with blood on her head.”

Regional health minister Jesus Vasquez Almuina also issued an update on the extent of the injuries.

“These are provisional figures, patients are still being evaluated… The vast majority are light injuries for bruises. There are five hospitalisations, mainly broken bones and some head injuries”, he confirmed.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

O Marisquiño festival attracts some 160,000 visitors every year and combines music with a variety of sports competitions including skateboarding and mountain biking across three days.