Over 20,000 partygoers from across Europe swarmed an illegal rave on a “dangerous” French military site that is reportedly littered with active explosive devices.
The festival saw hordes of death-defying dancers flock to the military base in the central French city of Bourges beginning on Thursday, which has been deemed “very dangerous because of the unexploded ordnance it may contain,” French military authorities told the AFP.
At least 12 people sustained minor injuries and required emergency services, according to CNN.
The firing field has been used by the French military for over 150 years to test cannons, missiles and shells — and could potentially still have old artillery charges that could explode and cause mass casualties to unsuspecting revelers..
“Despite its illegal nature, the State has mobilized to ensure the safety of this demonstration and limit the nuisances, particularly for the surrounding residents,” the local prefecture said, according to the outlet.
Organizers of the so-called “Bourges Teknival” warned ravers not to light fires, dig or collect any objects for fear of triggering a mine or unexploded bomb on the 24,700-acre firing range.
After rave organizers failed to seek official authorization from local leaders, 600 police officers were dispatched to the party — issuing dozens of fines for narcotics offenses, CNN reported.
The massive rave comes as French parliament seeks to tighten legislation on “Teknivals,” which are unauthorized rave parties — potentially introducing prison sentences for organizers and fines for attendees, France24 reported.
