Prosecutors in eastern France opened an inquiry today into the deaths of 11 people killed by a falling tree when a storm swept through an open-air event in Strasbourg, officials said.
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Storm leads to tragedy at French concert
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The inquiry aims to determine responsibility for the accident which occurred late Friday during a theatre performance in a park when spectators - including families with children - sought shelter in a tent from a downpour.
Sixty-eight people were treated for light injuries and shock.
Identification of the bodies was continuing on today, authorities said, adding all of the victims were French nationals.
This afternoon, Pope John Paul II sent a message of condolences to the families of victims.
"The Holy Father expresses his deepest condolence to the bereaved families and assures everyone affected by this disaster of his deep sympathy and spiritual closeness," the Pope said.
About 120 people were watching the performance of Yiddish music at the Chateau Pourtales when violent winds forced the organisers to interrupt the show and ask spectators to take refuge under a tarpaulin.
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Two survivors survey the scene at the tragedy
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It was while they were sheltering that they were crushed by the falling tree.
About 100 firefighters and 30 doctors went to help and the injured were taken to hospitals in Strasbourg, near the border with Germany.
Much of eastern France was hit by strong winds last night and a five-year-old girl was injured when a mudslide swept through her family's apartment in Tulle in the south west as heavy rain hammered that region too.
France's national weather service has urged people to stay inside during the torrential rain, and to watch for falling trees.
AFP