Investigation into Burning Man Death

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【Summary】Thousands of people are stranded at the Burning Man festival in Nevada due to heavy rains and flooding. Authorities are investigating a possible death at the event. Attendees have been urged to shelter in place and conserve supplies. Some have managed to walk several miles to the nearest town. Organizers have closed vehicular access and are working to open exit paths. The festival typically attracts nearly 80,000 people and emphasizes self-sufficiency.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 10:06 AM PT

Tens of thousands of people gathered for the Burning Man festival remained stranded in the Nevada desert on Sunday after storms swept through the area. Authorities are investigating a possible death and working to open exit paths by the end of the Labour Day weekend.

Organizers closed vehicular access to the festival, and attendees had to trudge through mud, many barefoot or wearing plastic bags on their feet. They were urged to shelter in place and conserve food, water, and supplies. Most remained hunkered down, hoping the roads would open soon, while a few managed to walk several miles to the nearest town.

Celebrity DJ Diplo and comedian Chris Rock posted a video on Instagram, showing them walking through the mud before hitching a ride. Diplo mentioned that they walked for hours with their thumbs out.

The Burning Man festival usually attracts nearly 80,000 artists, musicians, and activists who spend tens of millions of dollars in Nevada. The event combines wilderness camping with avant-garde performances and emphasizes self-sufficiency.

Disruptions are not uncommon at the festival. In 2018, entrances were temporarily halted due to dust storms, and the event was canceled twice during the pandemic.

Despite the challenging conditions, many festival-goers remained positive and made the most of the muddy environment. Some even posted selfies covered in mud, dancing, or splashing in makeshift lakes.

Theresa Galeani, a Burning Man attendee, expressed that they were having a great time and witnessed a resilient community supporting each other. She mentioned helping others find water and food.

Ed Fletcher, a long-time Burning Man attendee, embraced the struggle and highlighted the principle of radical self-reliance. He mentioned that the desert always presents challenges.

The Pershing County Sheriff's Office reported a death during the event but provided few details. Organizers reassured participants that the festival is built to endure such conditions and encouraged them to remain calm.

Vehicle gates will remain closed for the remainder of the event, which was scheduled to end on Monday. The National Weather Service reported significant rainfall, and more rain is expected. Organizers started rationing ice sales and stopped all vehicle traffic at the festival grounds.

Officials have not announced when celebrants will be able to leave the grounds, but if weather conditions improve, they hope vehicles can depart by late Monday. The burning of the wooden effigy, a culminating moment of the event, has been postponed.