Severe storm at Felsenbühne Rathen: one dead, injuries, performances cancelled

Statements from the theatre management

According to information from MDR, rescue services and police were deployed in the area of the Felsenbühne and on adjacent paths and hiking trails around the Amselsee in the district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains on Friday evening. Police cordoned off parts of the site to secure evidence and treat the injured.

The district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains, in which Rathen is located, is one of Saxony's most heavily frequented tourist areas. The Felsenbühne is one of Germany's best-known natural stages and attracts numerous visitors during the summer months, including many hikers who travel along the surrounding trails in Saxon Switzerland.

Emergency services in the district

Regarding the course of the storm itself, wind strengths, or possible falling branches and objects that may have caused the injuries, the authorities initially remained cautious. Police announced that they would begin investigations into the exact cause of death and the sequence of events.

MDR reported, citing its own reporters on site, that cleanup work was underway in the evening hours after the storm. Employees of the Landesbühnen and external helpers moved loose material aside and secured the natural stage, according to the report.

For the coming days, the Landesbühnen Sachsen announced that they would provide information on further steps and a possible resumption of performances. Tickets already purchased for the cancelled weekend performances are to be refunded, according to the theatre.

Impact on tourism

At the Amselsee and on the popular hiking trails around Rathen, emergency services also warned of possible cleanup work and temporary closures. Visitors were asked to avoid the area for the time being.

The Landesbühnen Sachsen is a multi-disciplinary theatre based in Radebeul that operates the Felsenbühne Rathen in Saxon Switzerland as a venue. The open-air stage is located directly on the banks of the Elbe opposite Rathen and is known for its productions under the open sky.

Police and rescue services continued their work late into Friday evening. Further information, including on the number of injured and the exact course of the storm, was expected to follow during the course of Saturday.

Background: risks in Saxon Switzerland

The Saxon Switzerland region is susceptible to sudden thunderstorms and severe weather events during the summer months. The combination of steep rock formations, forests, and exposed natural stages makes safety precautions for events there a particular challenge.

The day after the incident, police and the public prosecutor's office intended to publish initial findings on the storm痕迹 at the theatre site, according to MDR information. The Landesbühnen offered relatives and guests a telephone hotline set up for questions and concerns about the incident.