A 35-year-old French folk singer died of a suspected electrocution while performing during a storm in a hilltop church, local authorities said Thursday.

Barbara Weldens

The accident took place around midnight Wednesday in a church in the medieval village of Gourdon, situated about 200 kilometres inland from Bordeaux in the southwest.

Barbara Weldens was taking part in a festival when she collapsed after the venue experienced an electrical fault.

Emergency workers rushed to the scene but were unable to resuscitate her.

An investigation has been launched into her death.

AFP