My first 24 hours deep in the heart of Texas have been f'ing insane.
As we approached the festival, we were barred from entrance because of a massive smoke plume. Turns out it was a propane explosion in/near some trailers. Pete Yorn's set was delayed. Four people were injured and two are in critical condition.
The fire department gave a press conference:
Here's the official press release:
Austin City Limits Music Festival Reports Fire Outside Festival Grounds
AUSTIN, Texas — Sept. 14, 2007 — Austin City Limits Festival reported that a fire occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. CDT today just outside the festival grounds.
The incident occurred outside the north perimeter of the service drive around the grounds. Festival staff put the emergency plan in action and the Austin Fire Department, as well as other emergency personnel, responded quickly and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown, but festival organizers and the Austin Fire Department have begun an investigation.
Preliminary information indicates that no festival patrons were injured. However, at the time of this release, Austin EMS reported injuries to two service personnel. The incident occurred outside the festival space in Zilker Park, and patrons were cooperative and remained calm.
Police and security personnel determined that there is no danger at this time, and the event is continuing as scheduled. The site of the fire will be restricted until clean up and investigation procedures are complete.
In accordance with the festival’s existing emergency plan, staff members contacted the emergency command post onsite; and responding vehicles and personnel were unhindered in their access to the incident area.
Austin City Limits Festival is marshalling all resources to respond to the incident and assist any persons affected with the appropriate assistance as needed. Austin City Limits Festival is cooperating with all authorities responding to the incident.
Yeesh. More to come this weekend.
