The organisers of Mad Cool Festival have explained their decision to continue following the death of dancer Pedro Aunion.
Pedro Aunion was performing at the main stage when he fell from a specially constructed stage, and died on the way to the hospital.
The Spanish festival elected to continue, with Green Day playing a headline set – a move that was criticised by some as being insensitive following the tragic incident.
Issuing a statement, the organisers of Mad Cool have explained their move. It reads in part:
The decision to not stop the festival immediately was made between the state and local security forces, as well as our security management. Mad Cool Festival complied with all the corresponding security measures that are mandatory for the audience, artists and workers at festivals and was prepared for all eventualities.
In this situation it was officially deemed unsafe to have a large mass of people moving all at once, with the possibility of violent reactions, due to a sudden cancelation of an event of 45,000 people. The safety and security of the fans at the festival was of the highest order and it was not compromised.
The statement finishes:
Mad Cool would officially like to thank the audience for their kindness and support, the security forces and emergency services who worked so hard to keep everyone safe and we offer our gratitude and affection to all at this hard time.
