A severe thunderstorm with heavy hail and strong winds abruptly halted the second concert of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny in Milan on Saturday evening, prompting the evacuation of about 80,000 spectators from the La Maura hippodrome. The storm, which lasted roughly ten minutes, turned the venue into a hazardous scene as large hailstones accumulated on the ground and strong gusts swept through the area. Organizers and emergency services acted quickly to move the crowd to safety, though some attendees sustained injuries, particularly to the head, from the falling ice.
The concert was part of Bad Bunny's «Debí tirar más fotos World Tour,» and followed a highly successful first show on Friday night. Saturday's event had drawn an equally massive crowd, but the performance was cut short when the storm struck without warning. Videos and images circulating on social media showed the hippodrome grounds covered in a white layer of hail, with attendees seeking shelter under any available cover. The evacuation process, while orderly, was complicated by the suddenness and intensity of the weather event.
Local authorities confirmed that the storm caused widespread disruption across Milan, with streets covered in hailstones and traffic slowed. The concert interruption was one of the most visible consequences of the weather system, which moved through the city in the early evening. Emergency medical teams treated several people for minor injuries at the scene, and no life-threatening conditions were reported. The decision to evacuate was made swiftly to prevent further harm as the storm showed no signs of abating quickly.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most popular Latin music artists globally, known for blending reggaeton, trap, and other genres. His tour has drawn massive crowds across Europe and the Americas, and the Milan dates were among the most anticipated in Italy. The first concert on Friday was described as a major success, with fans praising the energy and production. The abrupt end to the second show disappointed many, but safety concerns took precedence.
This incident highlights the challenges of organizing large-scale outdoor events in regions prone to sudden weather changes. Northern Italy, including Milan, has experienced volatile weather patterns in recent weeks, with alternating heatwaves and storms. Event organizers typically have contingency plans for such emergencies, and the swift evacuation demonstrated the effectiveness of those protocols. However, the scale of the crowd — 80,000 people — made the operation particularly demanding.
In the aftermath, local officials and the concert promoter are expected to review the response and consider whether any adjustments are needed for future events. The safety of attendees remains the top priority, and the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of outdoor performances. Bad Bunny has not yet issued a public statement regarding the cancellation, but fans have expressed understanding on social media, with many sharing relief that no serious injuries occurred.
The storm also affected other parts of Milan, with reports of flooded streets and damaged property. The city's emergency services were stretched as they responded to multiple calls for assistance. The concert evacuation, however, drew the most attention due to the large number of people involved and the high profile of the artist. As cleanup efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring that such events can be managed safely in the future.