A MAN has died and six others have been hospitalised after falling ill at a music festival in Sydney.
The man – thought to be in his 40s – died after suffering a medical episode at the Dreamstate festival at about 11.30pm.
Despite the best efforts of festival medical staff in Sydney Olympic Park, the man died at the scene.
Another six people have been rushed to hospital.
One of the six remains in critical condition.
The harrowing incident is now under investigation and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
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The man is believed to have died after suffering a cardiac arrest due to a suspected drug overdose, according to 9News Australia.
A possible mass overdose is now being considered as part of the police’s investigation into what happened.
Dreamstate festival was held in Sydney on Saturday, with a second day scheduled to be held in Melbourne on Sunday.
The festival’s website describes it as the “Ultimate Trance & Techno Destination”.
It is known for its large-scale, high-production shows staged around the world.
To that end Saturday’s lineup included the likes of Paul Van Dyk, Vini Vici, Gareth Emery, Ben Nicky and Giuseppe Ottaviani.
Dreamstate are yet to comment on the incident but warned about high-dose MDMA capsules and pill ahead of Sunday’s event.
“We are concerned about the prolonged detection of these high-dose MDMA tablets and are urging the community to be aware and vigilant, particularly for those people attending major festivals over the next few weeks,” NSW Poisons Information Centre director Darren Roberts said.
“MDMA can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death.
Unforunately, the Minister for Music and Night-time Economy John Graham told ABC “there was no trial pill-testing facility available at the event”.
However, in accordance with the law, a “safety action plan was in place”.
A NSW Health spokesperson further clarified this position.
“A range of harm reduction initiatives are in place at festivals, including support and health promotion workers, health messaging, free chilled water, misting fans, chill-out spaces and well-equipped medical services,” they told ABC.
