Mass drug overdose at Melbourne rave Hardmission Festival

Eight people have been left in a critical condition following a suspected ecstasy overdose at a Melbourne festival over the weekend.

A worrying image has emerged online as eight people have been left fighting for their lives following a suspected mass drug overdose at a rave in Melbourne.

Partygoers at the Hardmission Festival at Flemington Racecourse were rushed to hospital on Saturday night after reportedly overdosing on ecstasy.

Eight people were left in critical conditions, including seven who were placed in induced comas.

It’s believed those at the festival had overdosed on methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine, also known as MDMA.

Photos and videos shared on social media show crowds partying at the electronic music event, as temperatures rose to 32C.

One image taken from video footage and shared by the Herald Sun shows a partygoer holding up his phone with the word “CAPS?” on the screen.

Caps is used to describe a broad range of illegal drugs in capsules.

Footage shows a partygoer holding up a phone with the word ‘CAPS?’. Picture: Social media

Victorian Ambulance Union general secretary Danny Hill described the situation at the event as “dire”.

“There were a lot of ­patients overdosing on MDMA, quite a number of them were critically unwell,” he told the Herald Sun.

“Seven patients had to be placed into an induced coma by our ­mobile intensive care ambulance paramedics and a breathing tube placed into their throat, so they were fully sedated.”

“They had to bring paramedics in from other parts of the city to assist with it – it shows how dire the situation was.”

Eight people are in a critical condition following the festival. Picture Instagram

Hardmission Festival organisers shared a post on social media ahead of the event, announcing volunteers from DanceWize, and alcohol and drugs harm reduction program would be on-site at the festival.

“Hardmission is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all our attendees. As part of our dedication to harm minimisation, we are proud to ­announce the presence of DanceWize at the event,” Hardmission Festival wrote on Friday.

“Remember, we’re here to look out for one another and create an environment where everyone can enjoy the music responsibly.”

News.com.au has contacted Hardmission Festival for comment.

Originally published as Mass drug overdose at Melbourne rave Hardmission Festival