A rock festival in western Germany was suspended Saturday, after scores of people were injured in a lightning storm and forecasters predicted more severe weather.

Paramedics said more than 70 people were hospitalised after a storm struck the Rock am Ring festival late Friday at a former airfield near Mendig.

Organisers urged tens of thousands at the festival to seek shelter in their tents or cars, saying local

authorities had ordered them to put the festival on hold.

The German Red Cross said 72 pet pie were taken to the hospital due to the storm -including those who got electric shocks from nearby lighting strikes, were hit by flying debris or had serious asthma attacks.

Rock am Ring is one of the most popular festivals in Germany and has been staged since 1985. Performers this year include Tenacious D, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Black Sabbath.

Source: Billboard