Mass Panic at German Music Festival

At least 19 people have been killed and 80 injured in a stampede at the famed Love Parade techno music festival in the German city of Duisburg. The annual event is meant to celebrate music, love and peace.

The deaths and injuries occured when panic broke out among huge crowds in a roughly 600 meter long tunnel leading towards the day-long open air Love Parade festival in the German city of Duisburg.

The festival, which police said drew about 1.4 million people, was not immediately cancelled because authorities feared an abrupt halt could spark a second panic.

Music blared out after the stampede and people danced on, unaware of the unfolding tragedy nearby. Organisers finally called the event off in late evening hours after the deaths.