One Dead, Five In Hospital After Sydney Dance Festival

Death and illness have marred this past weekend's revelry at Sydney's A State Of Trance dance party, after a 19-year-old man died and five people were sent to hospital — where one remains in a critical condition — as a result of suspected illicit drug use.

As Nine News reports, the teenager collapsed during the event at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday; he passed away later in hospital. Another punter, a 20-year-old Arncliffe man, remains in a critical but stable condition at Westmead Hospital. According to police, a further four men were taken to hospital. All up, 23 patrons were treated by medical personnel on the day.

About 16,000 people were in attendance at the event, which featured a line-up led by international DJ supreme Armin Van Buuren, with three arrests coming for drug supply and about 40 criminal infringement notices issued for drug possession and other offences.

According to Nine, a 21-year-old Victorian man is scheduled to appear in Parramatta Bail Court after allegedly being caught with 15 MDMA tablets in his possession. A 20-year-old man was also arrested after allegedly trying to flee police, and is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on 24 February, while a a 20-year-old man from Greenacre was charged with supplying "more than an indictable quantity" of drugs. He will appear in Fairfield local court on 16 March.

"Despite efforts by police and the event organisers to ensure people could attend this music event and enjoy themselves without their lives being put in danger, one man has died and another remains in Westmead Hospital in a critical condition," South Western Metropolitan Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli told Nine.

"New South Wales Police will continue to use drug dogs and search people at events if we believe they are carrying illegal drugs.

"If you carry and supply illegal drugs, you will be arrested."