Fatal Accident Occurs at Burning Man Event

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UPDATE
Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has made contact with the victim’s next of kin and will publicly release additional information soon.

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A woman died at Burning Man early Thursday morning after reportedly falling under a bus carrying participants, according to law enforcement officials. The woman has not been identified pending notification of her next of kin.

Burning Man organizers are working with law enforcement investigators from the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office and will provide more information as it becomes available. The Pershing County Sheriff will release information after the conclusion of family notification and investigation.

“This is a terrible accident,” said Burning Man co-founder Marian Goodell. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and campmates. Black Rock Rangers and Emergency Services Department staff are providing support to those affected.”

About the author: Burning Man Project

Burning Man Project

The official voice of the Burning Man organization, managed by Burning Man Project's Communications Team.

12 Comments on “Fatal Accident Occurs at Burning Man Event

  • traciyoshi says:

    Praying for the family. .

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  • Annoushka says:

    How do we check on people out there? Trying to get in touch with friends that were traveling in a bus for the first time.

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  • Andie Grace says:

    Annoushka, there is no effective way to reach people to check in that will net a faster result than just waiting for the announcement of the victim’s identity. It sounds like that will be coming soon. It also sounds like this was on a “Mutant Vehicle” bus (aka art car moving around inside the event) rather than a commuter/travel bus used to travel to the event.

    My thoughts are with everyone affected.

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  • lillie says:

    Contact Pershing County Sheriff’s Office give them your loved ones name and they can confirm if it’s them. <3

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  • Lady D says:

    I am praying and lightworking from LA around this tragedy. :'(

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  • CorBo says:

    I just lost my brother a few weeks ago, which is why I’m not at the burn right now. If I could have afforded it, there is no place I rather be to pay respect to his memory. The playa is the happiest place on earth. She was blessed to visit, if only for a short time. My heart, love and prayers go out to the family. Please reach out to the community for the support you will need in the difficult time. You will be overwhelmed by the love and support of complete strangers who embrace you like family.

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  • Pauline Titherington Ack says:

    DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING NEW? I CAN NOT FIND A NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT YHIS AND I CAN NOT REACH MY SISTER! SHE ALIENATED HERSELF FROM OUR MOM’s SIBLINGS AND MY HUSBAND AFTER OUT MOM PASSED. SHE IS ALWAYS AT BURNING MAN AND I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF MY SISTER IS ALIVE! ANY INFO FROM ANYONE, PLEASE? Thank you <3

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  • Robin says:

    A couple suggested rules that should be cheap/easy to follow, and effective:

    – require at least three or four bungee cords be strung across both sides of the vehicle/trailer gap to discourage entering that area, and hopefully push teetering folks out of the way.

    – prohibit steps, ladders or any sort of easily accessible egress on the back of a vehicle towing a trailer. For vehicles without trailers, of course, a rear egress is actually the safest, even when moving slowly.

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  • Daryl says:

    With Great freedom is great danger and great responsibility.

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  • Sarge says:

    @Robin – The first art car death in more than a decade does not necessitate additional rules. Burning Man is a potentially fatal event and getting it into our heads that we need to do everything possible to keep people safe is the mindset that would actually kill the event much more so than Turnkey Camping or too many virgins or whatever the other buzzing topics are this year. When that one hazard has been dealt with people would find another and another until no one can climb, all camps require inspections and approvals, etc etc.

    Keep Burning Man Potentially Fatal.

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