Death toll in Love Parade reaches 19

THE death toll rose to 19 yesterday and police said that 340 had been injured in a panicked crush of partygoers in an overcrowded tunnel that served as the sole entrance to a German festival billed as the world’s largest techno music party.

The tragedy shocked the nation and dominated news coverage yesterday. Many were wondering how such a tragedy could occur in a country that in recent years has organised much bigger events, such as the World Cup four years ago, that went off smoothly.

This year’s organiser of the Love Parade said the event – which has been held for two decades now – would never be held again.