03 September 2023 , 08:18
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Authorities have confirmed a death at the Burning Man festival is under investigation as festival-goers were told to remain in place.
The death occurred "during this rain event," the Pershing County Sheriff's Office confirmed. "As this death is still under investigation, there is no further information available at this time," the police force said in a statement.
A recommendation from the organisers of the festival in northern Nevada to remain in place remains after flooding from storms swept through the Nevada desert. Festival organisers were forced to close access to vehicles, and attendees were told to stay where they were and conserve their supplies.
More than one-half inch of rain is believed to have fallen on Friday at the festival site, located about 110 miles (177 kilometers) north of Reno, the National Weather Service in Reno said. More rain is forecasted, with an estimated 70,000 people still at Burning Man.
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Burning Man attendees have been told to conserve their provisions (https://eu.rgj.com)
Forecasts say more rain is on the way (https://eu.rgj.com)In a statement to Mirror, bosses revealed: "Due to heavy rain, the gate and airport in and out of Black Rock City at the Burning Man event will remain closed as of 9 am Saturday 9/2. Ingress and egress are halted. No driving is permitted until the playa surface dries up, with the exception of emergency vehicles. Participants are encouraged to conserve food, water, and fuel and shelter in a warm, safe space. We will keep the community informed on a regular basis."
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The sheriff's offices supported the recommendation from organisers. "Some vehicles have been able to drive off the Playa, however, those vehicles have caused damage to the Playa surface, and it is not recommended at this time," the office said.
Officials haven’t yet said when the entrance is expected to be opened again, and it wasn't immediately known when people could leave the grounds.
Despite the miserable situation for Burning Man punters, festival-goer Angie Peacock told the Mirror that most people are making the best of things. She said: "It's really wet but honestly, everyone's making the most of it and there are little pop-up parties starting again."
'You just make the most of it,' festival-goer Angie said (https://eu.rgj.com)Angie added: "Earlier some of us went streaking and then there was a wild bull run with all these red inflatable bulls. Then some of the bars started opening and then there was live music on our stage because we couldn't turn on the electrical equipment because we were scared of all the water everywhere, so they just popped up and started doing it outside instead. And that's the true meaning of Burning Man, you know, like, you just make the most of it."
Others are not so positive and false rumours of an Ebola outbreak and a 'fire tornado' have not helped, but Angie said people are too quick to judge the festival.
She said: "I can see [why false rumours have spread] as I think everybody loves to hate Burning Man because they think it's all these stupid, rich yuppies playing like they're poor but I don't understand it myself because everyone is coming together, everybody is helping each other out."