A man in his 20s was arrested around an hour after the incident on Saturday, Sept. 19
Credit: CBC News/YouTube
NEED TO KNOW
- Six people, aged 17 to 21, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after the incident in Saint-Tite, Canada
- The alleged driver, a man in his 20s, fled the scene but was later arrested in Quebec City
- Festival organizers confirmed the event will continue as planned, prioritizing safety for attendees and staff
At least six people were hospitalized after a vehicle slammed into a crowd at a country music festival in Canada.
At around 4:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 19, police responded to reports that a vehicle had driven into crowds at the Festival Western in Saint-Tite, about 124 miles northeast of Montreal, regional outlets CTV News, CBC and CP24 reported.
Six people — two women, both 18 years old, and four men, aged 17 to 21 — were transported to hospital with various non-life-threatening injuries, according to the outlets.
The alleged driver, a man in his 20s, fled the scene but was later arrested in Québec City.
Credit: Alalmy
“The suspect fled and his vehicle was reportedly located in Quebec City,” said Sergeant Marc Tessier of the Sûreté du Québec, per Le Journal De Montreal.
It is currently unclear if those injured were involved in an argument with the driver before he plowed into the crowd, CBC and CTV News reported, citing Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
Preliminary findings amid the ongoing investigation suggest the incident was not premeditated.
Police have reportedly ruled out alcohol as a factor, but the alleged driver of the vehicle continues to be interviewed by investigators.
Festival Western in Saint-Tite is a 10-day event featuring country music, professional rodeos and western-themed activities.
The festival’s director confirmed to CTV News that the event will be going ahead as scheduled today, despite some surrounding roads being closed to vehicles.
“An isolated incident beyond our control occurred early this morning on Saint-Joseph Boulevard. Our first thoughts go out to those involved and their families. We wish them a speedy recovery,” the director said in a statement obtained by the outlet.
“The safety of our festivalgoers, volunteers, and staff remains our top priority. The festival is a celebratory event where everyone should feel safe,” the statement continued. “That is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure their safety.”
Credit: Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette thanked police for their response to the incident and said the injured people are expected to recover during a visit to the festival on Saturday afternoon, per CTV News. She later shared several photos on Facebook from her visit.
“This is Mauricie, the land where people stand together, shake hands, and continue to keep our traditions alive,” Fréchette wrote. “Thank you to Anne-Marie Lemire, general manager, as well as the entire organizing team and the many volunteers for their work and hospitality. You keep a tradition alive that brings Quebeccans together year after year.
“Despite the events, our desire to come together remains strong. We keep our thoughts with the injured and their loved ones. 🤍,” she concluded.
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Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney also addressed the incident in a Facebook post.
“My thoughts are with the seven people who were struck by a car at the Festival Western de St-Tite, and the entire community who are understandably shaken by this incident,” Carney wrote. “Thank you to the law enforcement and first responders who acted quickly to help those injured and keep people safe.”
Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and Festival Western did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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