Violent storm hits southern Germany and Austria, 2 dead, more than 130 injured

A violent thunderstorm swept over parts of southern Germany and Austria late Friday into Saturday, August 18 and 19, 2017. At least 2 people were killed and more than 130 injured.

The storm was expected, but the southeastern Oberbayern, one of the seven administrative districts of Bavaria, Germany, was overrun by a much more violent storm than forecast by the weather service, the police said during the night, as reported by the Sueddeutsche. At least 10 people were injured.

According to the German weather service, a considerable rainfall was reported the throughout the region in a short time, particularly in southern Bavaria. Heavy rain was accompanied by hurricane-force winds, far more than 100 km/h (62 mph), it said.

At least 2 people were killed and 120 injured after attending a tent festival in a forest area in Frauschereck, a municipality of Sankt Johann am Walde in Austria. There are rumors that there should be two more deaths, but neither the Red Cross nor the prosecutor's office could confirm that by 13:45 CET, August 19, the Nachrichten reported.

At least 10 people are in serious condition while 40 are severely injured. There were reportedly up to 1 000 people attending the festival by 22:30 CET.

According to authorities, they were alerted just before 23:00 CET Friday night. 150 rescuers were immediately deployed from Braunau and the neighboring districts of Ried, Schärding, and Grieskirchen. The site was reportedly difficult to reach because of the narrow streets and the surrounding objects.

Alois Ebner, a spokesman for the Ried prosecutor's office, said an investigation is in progress. "The question arises as to whether the event could not have been canceled because of the severe weather warnings."

Featured image: At least 2 killed, 120 injured after a violent storm hits Austria – August 2017.