Pukkelpop Faces Cost Of Innocence

The finding that Pukkelpop wasn’t in any way to blame for the havoc caused when a freak storm hit this year’s event leaves the festival facing a huge financial struggle.

The inquiry into the disaster that uprooted trees, wrecked two stages, killed five people and injured many more recently concluded that the incident was a “force majeure,” a chance occurrence or unavoidable accident.

The organisers’ public liability insurance was so comprehensive it provided cover for any mistakes they themselves might make, but the Hasselt public prosecutor has found that they didn’t make any mistakes and cannot be found liable.

Therefore it’s questionable whether the insurance can be used to cover any loss or damage caused by the storm, which may cause problems for those who suffered and even those who bought tickets for the canceled festival.

The storm broke as the festival started, leaving organisers to determine that the rest of the event couldn’t take place.

Festivalgoers with claims can file with their own insurers, where the same force majeure restrictions may apply, or seek help from the Belgium National Disaster Fund.

The fund compensates only for direct material damage in excess of euro 250.

Festival chief Chokri Mahassine says he’d prefer not to comment until the insurance situation becomes clearer, which should happen in a matter of days.

The festival has already said the two main aims are to ensure that the victims of the Pukkelpop storm and ticket-holders are compensated and to guarantee the future of the festival.

It has also set up an independent relief fund for the victims and their relatives.