During a free concert at the Montreal Jazz Festival on Saturday evening, six individuals were transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Despite the incidents, event organizers and Urgences-santé affirmed that their management of the situation went according to plan.
A massive crowd of festival attendees congregated to witness Quebec’s renowned masked band, Angine de Poitrine, either visually or audibly. Emergency medical teams provided care to a total of 10 individuals, addressing various medical concerns including falls and intoxication.
Benjamin Dansereau, a spokesperson for Urgences-santé, mentioned that out of the 10 individuals treated, six were taken to the hospital, with four declining transport by the medical team. Some of those hospitalized were in a worrisome but non-life-threatening condition.
Dansereau emphasized that such occurrences were not uncommon, particularly during peak summer moments, and that they were adequately prepared for such situations. He commended the swift response and effective actions of the emergency crews during the incident.
Encouraging attendees to prioritize hydration, seek shelter or cool environments if feeling overheated or lightheaded, and maintain awareness in crowded areas, Dansereau stressed the importance of personal well-being at large events.
One festivalgoer, Robert Mark, expressed feeling overwhelmed by the massive crowd dynamics at the concert, noting struggles faced by attendees attempting to navigate through the throngs of people. Despite the challenges, Mark found solace in observing families, young children, and fans adorned in polka dots as a tribute to the band’s distinctive costumes.
Maurin Auxéméry, the Montreal Jazz Festival’s director of programming, lauded his team’s efforts in managing the event smoothly and ensuring public safety. He praised the handling of the situation, stating that the organizers had anticipated the high turnout, bolstered security measures, and executed their plan diligently throughout the evening.
Auxéméry mentioned that access to Place des Festivals was restricted approximately 30 to 45 minutes before the show to manage the crowd effectively. Describing the concert as exceptional, he emphasized the remarkable turnout, likening it to the crowd size seen during Stevie Wonder’s performance in 2009.
Reflecting on the success of a local band drawing such a significant audience in downtown Montreal, Auxéméry expressed gratitude and pride, highlighting the festival’s ability to host remarkable performances and unite music enthusiasts.
