Share and Follow
The event was one for the books.
An astonishing crowd of over 20,000 revelers descended upon an unauthorized rave held at a perilous French military site, notorious for its scattered active explosives. These party enthusiasts traveled from all corners of Europe to join the gathering.
The festival kicked off on Thursday at the military base located in the heart of Bourges, France. Despite warnings from French military officials about the site’s hazardous nature due to potential unexploded ordnance, the revelers were undeterred, as reported by AFP.
Ignoring the cautionary advice, the festivities continued, with an anticipated influx of an additional 10,000 partygoers expected over the weekend, AFP noted.
According to CNN, at least 12 individuals suffered minor injuries and were in need of emergency medical attention.
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.