France closes bridge to Belgium amid fears of rave party

France has closed the bridge connecting Wervik and its French neighbor Wervicq-Sud, effective Friday evening until Saturday morning. The municipality of Wervicq-Sud is shutting down the bridge over the Leie river due to suspicions that a rave party is planned for Friday night into Saturday.

Mayor Youro Casier of Wervik learned of the measure on Thursday. The French municipality announced the closure on its Facebook page, stating the bridge would be inaccessible from France as a safety measure for a local event. However, they offered no further explanation. Mayor Casier indicated he received an email stating the goal was to prevent safety risks, but little else.

Multiple sources suggest a rave party is planned near the Leie river. Police forces on both the French and Belgian sides are reportedly on standby. French authorities were unavailable for comment when reached.