It looks like Burning Man is not having the best of luck this year. Following having to cancel the very first day of shows due to weather, the Reno Gazette-Journal now reports that a woman has been killed by a bus at the Northern Nevada festival earlier this morning.
The bus was reportedly carrying concertgoers, as local authorities and event reps have stated, when it stuck the woman.
Burning Man co-founder Marian Goodell released a statement that called the incident a "terrible accident." She added, "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and campmates. Black Rock Rangers and Emergency Services Department staff are providing support to those affected.
Details on the bus accident have not yet been released, nor has the woman's name. But it goes without saying that the Black Rock Rangers, and other local authorities, are investigating the death in detail.
Black Rock City LLC manages a staff of rangers totaling about 500-members. Additionally, the company houses 95 federal and local law enforcement officers at the week-long event, according to SFGate.
As truly unfortunate as this death is, apparently it's not the first time. Jim Parrish, Humboldt General Hospital CEO, notes that deaths do occur at the famed festival from time to time. The Reno Gazette-Journal notes that "at least two other people have died there since the hospital began providing medical response in 2011."
So, please, if you're going to a festival (or any concert, or anywhere), be safe!
For more information on Burning Man festival, visit their site.
