Tomorrowland Festival main stage fire disaster: Investigation launched as woman, 35 dies 

A 35-year-old Canadian woman has died after falling sick at the Tomorrowland music festival in Boom, Belgium. The reports by The Sun state that the woman fell ill on the first night of the festival, only days after fire destroyed its main stage. She felt sick for the first time on Friday evening and was subsequently taken to the University Hospital of Antwerp. Eventually she died, the Antwerp prosecutor’s office has confirmed. Authorities in Belgium are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

At the same time, the festival was dealing with a major fire that destroyed its main, ice-themed stage two days before the opening. The fire broke out on Wednesday around 6 PM, and no one was injured. Festival organizers worked all through Thursday and Friday to build a new stage using parts from Metallica’s touring rig. They succeeded, and the festival started on Friday with only a slight delay.

Investigation into the woman’s death at Tomorrowland Festival

The reports by ABC News stated that Belgian prosecutors in Antwerp have said that they are now trying to find out exactly what caused the death of the 35-year-old Canadian woman. She was taken to a hospital after aid was given on site. A spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office stated she had been treated and was declared dead at the hospital. Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen said the organizers were sad and their thoughts were with the woman’s family and friends.

Authorities will pay attention to her state of health, any health problems she may have had, and the possible use of medications or other substances. An autopsy and toxicology tests are expected, although it is unconfirmed if they are being conducted in Belgium. French and Belgian press reports include a reference to toxicology as part of the investigation. This is the second rare death following the death of a man who also became unwell at the festival before, later dying in hospital in 2019, as per a report by Brussels Morning.

Tomorrowland Festival's main stage fire and festival recovery

As mentioned in the reports by The Guardian, two days before the festival, on Wednesday, an enormous fire broke out on the main stage. Video from that night shows flames spreading quickly through the elaborate structure, with thick black smoke rising into the sky.

The authorities confirmed that about 75 percent of the stage was destroyed. The cause may have been a fireworks test that went wrong, though the exact reason is still under investigation. Organizers acted fast. They cleared debris and built a makeshift stage using steel parts and LED screens from Metallica’s tour. Around 200 technicians worked nonstop for nearly 48 hours.

On Friday, DJs Odymel and Pegassi opened the festival at the new stage. Later, big names like Martin Garrix, ALOK, Axwell, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Lost Frequencies, and Jax Jones performed. Fans and artists praised the quick recovery. Martin Garrix thanked Metallica and the festival crew for their help. He posted on Instagram: “I can not believe... my set at Tomorrowland is still happening!”

Reports by The Guardian stated that no injuries were reported from the fire. Nearby woodland caught fire but was quickly put out. Some ticket holders asked for refunds, but most stayed, and about 400,000 people are expected to attend over the two weekends.

Background on Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals. It began in 2005 in Boom, Belgium, and now hosts around 400,000 people each year over two weekends.

It draws fans and DJs from over 200 countries. The festival is famous for its creative and theatrical stages. The main stage is the centerpiece and often changes theme each year. Previously, Tomorrowland has seen weather problems and minor accidents, but mass injuries or deaths have been very rare.

Reports by The Sun stated that the prosecutor’s office in Antwerp will lead an inquiry into the woman’s death. They will look at medical reports, test results, and festival records. A full autopsy report could take weeks. Investigators will also look into the stage fire. Fire departments want to confirm whether fireworks or other equipment caused it.

In the meantime, Tomorrowland will wrap up its second weekend with acts like David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Lost Frequencies, Jax Jones, etc., still going as scheduled. Festival organizers said they will review safety regulations and procedures, especially those related to pyrotechnics and temporary stage structures, with an eye toward safety in the future.

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