Massive crowds gathered at a free concert during the Montreal Jazz Festival, leading to the hospitalization of six individuals. Emergency medical teams treated a total of 10 people for various medical concerns, including falls and intoxication. While six individuals were transported to the hospital, four declined medical transport.
According to Urgences-santé spokesperson Benjamin Dansereau, the situation was managed as expected, with emergency crews responding promptly and effectively. Dansereau emphasized that such occurrences were not uncommon during peak summer events and reassured that preparations were in place for such incidents.
Festivalgoer Robert Mark described the overwhelming experience of navigating through the dense crowd to witness Quebec’s renowned masked band, Angine de Poitrine. Despite the challenges, Mark found solace in the inclusive atmosphere, observing families with children and dedicated fans donning polka dots in homage to the band’s distinctive attire.
Organizers, led by Maurin Auxéméry, expressed satisfaction with the event’s execution, noting meticulous planning, heightened security measures, and effective crowd management strategies. Auxéméry lauded the team’s efforts in handling the large turnout, comparing it to the memorable audience size last seen during Stevie Wonder’s performance in 2009.
The festival team closed access to Place des Festivals before the show, ensuring a controlled environment for attendees. Overall, organizers deemed the concert a success, celebrating the local band’s ability to draw such a significant audience in the heart of Montreal.