Music
07 Feb 14

15 taken to hospital following Hardwell gig in Belfast

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service declared a “major incident” last night as 50 people either attending or in the vicinity of Hardwell’s sell-out Odyssey Theatre, Belfast show were treated for the effects of alcohol and drugs. Two were found unconscious and had to be revived.

Odyssey spokesman Adrian Doyle says: “It’s our understanding that a number of patrons arriving to attend a concert by Dutch DJ act Hardwell have required medical attention, having already been intoxicated on their arrival at the complex. These patrons were not granted entry to the Odyssey Arena, and were treated by the Ambulance Service outside. As with any concert, the safety of our patrons is our absolute priority at all times and the event control team is confident that we have sufficient staff on site to maintain a safe and enjoyable concert.”
The Ambulance Service’s John McPoland agreed that, “We believe the majority arrived suffering from too much alcohol.”
15 people were admitted to the Royal Victoria and Mater Hospitals last night suffering from intoxication, with all understood now to be in a satisfactory condition.
Security is certain to be tight tonight as Hardwell journeys south for another sell-out in the Dublin O2. Promoters MCD had already made it an over-18s show with ticket-holders having to present photo ID before being admitted.
There was no reaction last night from Hardwell, save for a tweeted, “Yes, thank you Belfast!” shortly after midnight.
Last month found the PSNI issuing a warning about a type of yellow ecstasy called "Speckled Rolex", which was linked to the death of one man and the hospitalisation of four others. Whether this may have been a factor last night remains to be seen.