Over 60 People Reportedly Injured Following Stampede At Falls Festival In Lorne

31 December 2016 | 9:01 am | Staff Writer

Falls fest organisers release statement.

More than 60 people have been injured at Falls Festival in Lorne overnight, following a reported human stampede at the venue. 

According to ABC, 19 of those treated are serious, with thirteen women and six men taken to hospital due to injuries that include hip and pelvic fractures, possible spinal injuries and head injuries. 

The stampede is believed to have occurred at around 11pm last night in the Grand Theatre at the conclusion of DMA'S set as punters left to make their way to watch British trio London Grammar in the Arena. 

It has been reported people at the front of the group exiting the theatre lost their footing and were trampled by the large crowd that followed.

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Falls Festival organisers released a statement shortly after the incident occurred. 

"Medical staff were immediately on hand to assist all affected patrons," the statement reads.

"Up to 50 incidents of varying degrees were attended to, no critical injuries have been recorded. Entertainment has been suspended in the Grand Theatre for the rest of the evening, normal programming will resume tomorrow."

Meanwhile, State Health Commander Paul Holman said Ambulance Victoria were quick to act to the incident.

"We had a good medical presence on site and worked closely with first aid providers and local hospitals to coordinate the treatment and transport of those injured," Holman said.

"While the injuries are significant, this could have been quite a tragedy and we are grateful that the outcome was not worse."

update: 

Falls Festival organisers have given the below updated statement to The Music regarding last night's incident. 


"Last night there was an incident, just before 10pm, at the Lorne leg of The Falls Festival on Friday December 30thinvolving a crowd exit after the DMA’s set in the Grand Theatre en route to watch London Grammar in the Arena. Entertainment was suspended in the Grand Theatre for the rest of the evening.

A health commander from Ambulance VIC was already on site and managed the medical response for the incident in its entirety. 60 people seen on site and 19 transports, none of which are critical.

Medical services are in direct contact with relatives of any patients who have been admitted to hospital as per standard protocol.
 
We have set up a communication center on site for patrons who do not have mobile reception, so they can call out to check in with family and friends, and we have an info line patroninfo@fallsfestival.com for enquiries.
 
In response to last night’s incident we have considered the egress into and out of The Grand Theatre and made some modifications to today’s event.
 
The safety and wellbeing of our patrons is of paramount concern to us. Whilst a very distressing situation, we are heartened and thankful for the amazing work of our medical teams and staff who responded with such care and support to those affected and continue to do so for the remaining duration of the festival. Normal programming will resume today."