During a free Montreal Jazz Festival concert on Saturday night, six individuals were hospitalized, but event organizers and Urgences-santé reported that the situation was managed as planned. A large crowd of festival attendees flooded the venue to witness Quebec’s renowned masked band, Angine de Poitrine. Urgences-santé spokesperson, Benjamin Dansereau, mentioned that medical teams treated ten people for various medical issues, including falls and intoxication. Of the ten, six were taken to the hospital, while four declined transportation.
Dansereau clarified that some of the hospitalized individuals were in a more critical but non-life-threatening condition. He emphasized that these numbers were not unusual, especially during peak summer periods, and that adequate preparations were made. Dansereau commended the swift response and effective performance of emergency crews.
He advised attendees to stay hydrated, find shade or cool areas if feeling overheated or dizzy, and remain vigilant in crowded settings. Festival attendee Robert Mark described the event as overwhelming, noting the challenges faced by individuals maneuvering through the crowd.
Despite the congestion, Mark appreciated the sight of families with young children and fans donning polka dots in homage to the band’s distinctive attire. Organizers confirmed that the event unfolded smoothly. Maurin Auxéméry, the festival’s programming director, expressed pride in his team’s handling of the situation, stating that they were well-prepared for the large turnout. Access to the venue was closed prior to the show, with security measures heightened throughout the evening.
Auxéméry lauded the concert as exceptional, underscoring the remarkable turnout that rivaled the attendance of Stevie Wonder’s 2009 performance. He described the experience as a privilege, noting the success of a local band in drawing such a substantial crowd to downtown Montreal.