“Montreal Jazz Festival Proceeds Despite Hospitalizations”

Despite six individuals being transported to the hospital during a complimentary concert at the Montreal Jazz Festival on Saturday evening, both event organizers and Urgences-santé confirmed that the event proceeded as anticipated.

Huge crowds of festival attendees flocked to the venue to catch a glimpse—or simply to listen to—Quebec’s renowned masked musical group, Angine de Poitrine.

An official from Urgences-santé, Benjamin Dansereau, mentioned that medical teams provided assistance to 10 individuals with various medical concerns.

“Some experienced falls, while others were under the influence,” Dansereau stated.

“Out of the 10 individuals, six were taken to a medical facility, with four of them declining transfer with our team.”

Dansereau highlighted that some of the six hospitalized individuals were in a more serious but not life-threatening condition.

Nevertheless, Dansereau clarified that these numbers were not uncommon.

“During the peak summer period, we usually handle more cases. So, this is not unusual, and we are prepared for it,” he explained.

Dansereau also commended the rapid response and effective work of the emergency teams.

He advised festival attendees to stay hydrated, find shade or air-conditioned areas if feeling overheated or lightheaded, and remain vigilant in crowded settings.

Attendance Compares to Stevie Wonder’s 2009 Show

Festival participant Robert Mark, a seasoned concertgoer, expressed that Saturday’s event was overwhelming for him.

“There was a mass of people moving towards the stage, while others were struggling to move in the opposite direction,” Mark shared.

“It was evident that some individuals were trying to exit but faced difficulties… A few smaller individuals, looking panicked, were trying to leave.”

After initially moving closer to the stage, Mark and his companions eventually relocated to a spot behind the main stage, where a large screen projected the performance.

Despite the crowd, Mark appreciated observing families with young children and fans donning polka dots in homage to the band’s distinctive attire.

• Who is Angine de Poitrine? The masked Quebec band is taking the internet by storm

The festival organizers confirmed that the event proceeded as scheduled.

Maurin Auxéméry, the festival’s programming director, affirmed that their team maintained complete control.

“I am extremely proud of how our team managed the situation,” he remarked.

Auxéméry mentioned that they had anticipated the high turnout, bolstered security measures, and adhered to their plan throughout the evening. Given the crowd’s size, Auxéméry felt that his team performed admirably.

He noted that access to Place des Festivals was closed approximately 30 to 45 minutes before the show.

Describing the concert as exceptional, Auxéméry emphasized that the festival had not witnessed such large crowds since Stevie Wonder’s performance in 2009.

“It is truly remarkable to see a local band draw such a significant crowd here in downtown Montreal,” he stated.