Canadian Woman Dies After Falling Ill at Tomorrowland Festival
Belgian authorities launch probe into festival-goer’s death
Belgian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the passing of a 35-year-old Canadian woman who became ill on the opening night of the massive Tomorrowland electronic music festival.
Investigation Underway
Antwerp prosecutors are working to determine the exact cause of death for the attendee, who was among the tens of thousands gathered for the event’s first day. Organizers confirmed the woman received immediate medical attention on site before being transported to a local hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her illness.
A Tomorrowland spokesperson, **Debby Wilmsen**, expressed the organization’s sorrow. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones,”
**Ms. Wilmsen** stated.
Festival Faces Recent Setback
The festival, renowned for featuring global DJs such as **David Guetta**, **Lost Frequencies**, and **Charlotte de Witte**, is expected to draw approximately 400,000 attendees across two weekends. This year’s event faced significant disruption earlier in the week when a fire ravaged its main stage.
Despite the fire, which necessitated an “alternative set-up,” organizers ensured the festival proceeded as scheduled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the blaze itself, though the cause remains unknown.
In 2023, festival safety remained a key concern, with reports indicating that over 70,000 people were treated by medical staff at music festivals in the UK alone due to factors like dehydration and heat exhaustion (The Guardian, 2023).
