Future Music Festival Asia Cut Short After ‘Loss Of Lives’

17 March 2014 | 9:43 am | Staff Writer

As many as six deaths reported

The Malaysian leg of the Australian Future Music Festival cancelled its third day over the weekend after up to six people were reported to have died at the event on Friday.

Local media reports of five deaths were questioned by promoters over the weekend, who could only account for one death when cancelling the third day. AAP then reported that Kuala Lumpur Police had confirmed six deaths of locals aged 19-28, which the festival promoters appear to have confirmed in a second statement.

“The organizers of the festival are deeply saddened by the reported loss of lives on Friday 14th March,” it reads. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected. The health and safety of our patrons is of upmost importance to us and we are extremely devastated that circumstances such as these occurred despite the significant planning and resources in place.”

The statement also went to lengths to stress the level of safety planning before the event.

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ACP Tuan Mohan Singh, District Police Chief, IPD Cheras said, “Police worked closely with event organizers, security, Bukit Jalil Stadium and a number of other government agencies in the planning process. A high visibility police operation featuring over 100 police members was in place to work across crowd control and drug detection activities.

“We recognize the efforts of the organizers in putting in place preventative health and safety measures at the event. They have cooperated fully with the police on both days to create a safe environment for the public. What happened at the event is unfortunate and we remind all members of the public of the immense dangers associated with the use of illegal substances.”

The festival says the site had three marked medical points, with two paramedics at each post, and an onsite emergency trauma centre with two medical commanders (doctors), 15 paramedics, ten nurses, seven ambulances and 12 roaming paramedics.

“The organizers are overwhelmed with sadness at this time,” they said. “We thank ticket holders for their patience and understanding in regards to the cancellation of day three.”

Pharrell, Rudimental, Eric Prydz, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Chase & Status and Tinie Tempah were due to performan on day three on Saturday. Deadmau5 headlined day one on Thursday, Armin Van Buuren on Friday.