During a free Montreal Jazz Festival concert on Saturday night, six individuals were transported to the hospital, but event organizers and Urgences-santé confirmed that the situation was managed as planned. A large crowd gathered to witness Quebec’s well-known band, Angine de Poitrine, with some festival attendees seeking medical assistance for various issues. Emergency crews attended to 10 individuals, with reasons ranging from falls to intoxication. Of those treated, six were taken to the hospital, while four declined transportation.
Benjamin Dansereau, a spokesperson for Urgences-santé, mentioned that some of the hospitalized individuals were in stable yet concerning conditions, emphasizing that such occurrences were within the norm for peak summer events. He praised the swift response and effectiveness of the emergency teams. Dansereau advised attendees to stay hydrated, find shaded areas if feeling overheated, and be cautious in crowded settings.
One attendee, Robert Mark, described the concert as overwhelming, noting the challenges faced by some individuals trying to navigate through the packed venue. Despite the crowd, Mark appreciated the diverse audience and the festive atmosphere. Festival organizers, led by Maurin Auxéméry, expressed satisfaction with their handling of the event, mentioning heightened security measures and detailed planning in anticipation of the large turnout. Auxéméry praised the success of the concert, highlighting the remarkable attendance reminiscent of Stevie Wonder’s 2009 performance, underscoring the significance of a local band drawing such massive crowds in downtown Montreal.