Despite six individuals being transported to the hospital following a complimentary Montreal Jazz Festival performance on Saturday evening, event coordinators and Urgences-santé affirmed that the management of the event proceeded as anticipated.
Huge throngs of festival attendees surged across the venue to catch a glimpse — or even just a listen — to Quebec’s renowned masked musical group, Angine de Poitrine.
Benjamin Dansereau, a representative for Urgences-santé, disclosed that emergency medical teams attended to 10 individuals for a variety of medical concerns.
“Some individuals experienced falls, while others were intoxicated,” Dansereau remarked.
“Out of the 10 individuals, six were transported to a medical facility, with four declining transport assistance from our team.”
Dansereau mentioned that some of the six individuals taken to the hospital were in a more worrisome, albeit non-life-threatening, condition.
Nevertheless, Dansereau pointed out that these figures were not deemed “unusual.”
“During the peak summer period, we typically handle a higher volume. Therefore, this is not unexpected, and we are prepared for such scenarios,” he elaborated.
Dansereau also commended the prompt response and effective actions of the emergency crews.
He advised festival attendees to ensure they stay hydrated, find shaded or air-conditioned areas if they start feeling overheated or lightheaded, and remain vigilant in crowded settings.
Attendance Comparable to Stevie Wonder’s 2009 Show
Robert Mark, a festivalgoer accustomed to large-scale concerts, expressed that Saturday’s performance was overwhelming for him.
“There was a massive crowd moving towards the stage, with other individuals attempting to move against the flow,” Mark recounted.
“You could witness people struggling to exit, particularly a couple of smaller individuals who appeared distressed and eager to leave.”
After advancing toward the stage’s front area, Mark and his companions eventually redirected to a spot behind the main stage, where a large screen broadcasted the performance.
Despite the crowd congestion, Mark appreciated observing families with young children and fans donning polka dots as a tribute to the band’s distinctive attire.
Event organizers confirmed that the performance proceeded as scheduled.
Maurin Auxéméry, the Montreal Jazz Festival’s programming director, assured that his team maintained “absolute control” throughout the event.
“I am extremely proud of our team’s handling of the situation,” he remarked.
Auxéméry noted that the organizers had anticipated the substantial turnout, bolstered security measures, and adhered to their operational plan throughout the evening. Given the magnitude of the audience, Auxéméry praised his team’s performance.
He disclosed that access to Place des Festivals was closed approximately 30 to 45 minutes before the performance.
Describing the concert as extraordinary, Auxéméry emphasized that the festival had not witnessed such large crowds since Stevie Wonder’s show in 2009.
“It is truly a privilege to witness a local band draw such a significant audience in downtown Montreal,” he stated.
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