At Sydney’s Defqon 1 music festival, two people, both in their 20s, died from a suspected drugs overdose on Saturday evening. New South Wales police said that 700 sought medical help for drug-related issues, with three said to be in critical condition, BBC reported.
Deaths from drug use at two popular music festivals, one in Sydney and another in Hanoi, have renewed debate on drug policy and the safety of such festivals.
At Sydney’s Defqon 1 music festival, two people, both in their 20s, died from a suspected drugs overdose on Saturday evening. New South Wales police said that 700 sought medical help for drug-related issues, with three said to be in critical condition, BBC reported.
State premier Gladys Berejiklian called the annual event unsafe and said it should not take place again.
Police said 10 people have been charged with drug offences, including two teenage who allegedly carried 120 tablets to the event.
The festival, held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, plays mostly hardcore techno, house and trance music. In recent years, there have been two other deaths. The festival has been running since 2009.
At Hanoi electronic dance music festival, Trip to the Moon, seven Vietnamese, all in their 20s, have died after taking an unspecified drug while five are in a coma, said officials on Monday.
Authorities are scrambling to trace the substance that is believed to have caused the deadliest drug-related incident in the country. The tragedy has prompted officials to ban all electronic dance music (EDM) festivals in the capital, AFP reported.
Synthetic drug use is on the rise, but remains largely underground among a relative niche group of hard-partying youth.
The music festival was held at West Lake Water Park near Hanoi’s city centre, a neighbourhood popular for its nightlife and club scene, attracting thousands of partygoers.