Thousands stranded at Burning Man Festival after heavy rain
New details have been released about the death of a man at the Burning Man festival after around 70,000 attendees were trapped on the site in the midst of an unexpected storm.
Burning Man descended into chaos over the weekend as severe flooding left thousands stuck on site, the entrance was closed and revellers were urged to conserve water, food and fuel.
Officials revealed on Saturday that one person had died at the Nevada desert festival.
On Sunday, Burning Man Communications said in a statement that the death was “unrelated to the weather”. The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the death.
The drama has led to spread of rampant – and debunked – conspiracy theories online including false claims of an Ebola outbreak.
Meanwhile, Burning Man said that the site is expected to open on Monday morning, though obviously weather-dependant.
The festival is also ploughing on with plans to burn its iconic effigy later today after it was postponed due to the severe rain and flooding.
“The Man burn will not happen tonight, Sunday, it is now scheduled for Monday 9/4, at 9pm,” the festival said in an update on Sunday evening.
