Scores of people injured by lightning at German rock festival

Fans have fun at a rock festival in Mendig Germany. Later scores of people were struck by lightning. (The Associated Press)

Police say scores of people have been injured by lightning strikes at a rock festival in western Germany.

Mayen police spokesman Lars Brummer says the overall number of people hospitalized after lighting strikes at the Rock am Ring festival had increased to 71 overnight.

Brummer told the AP that "a number of those hospitalized have been discharged again."

Organizers and local officials are planning to hold a news conference later Saturday to provide further information.

The festival held at a former airfield near Mendig, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Frankfurt, is one of the most popular in Germany.

Performers this year include Tenacious D, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Black Sabbath.Germany has been hit by severe storms that have caused heavy flooding in recent days.