Nine people treated for suspected overdoses at West Melbourne dance party

ONE reveller continues fighting for life overnight after a toxic batch of illicit pills was believed to be responsible for a mass overdose at a rave party on Friday night.

Nine people were taken to hospital. Picture: file photo, Hamilton Fiona

ONE reveller continues to fight for life overnight after a toxic batch of illicit pills was believed to be responsible for a mass overdose at a rave party on Friday night.

Emergency services were called to a dance party at Festival Hall called “I Am Hardstyle” at 11.30pm.

Eight people were initially treated in a St John Ambulance first aid area at the venue before Ambulance Victoria was called.

A ninth person collapsed near the venue and was rushed to hospital.

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Patrons leaving Festival Hall, the scene of a mass overdose. Picture: 7 News Melbourne

Paramedics believe the dodgy pill was a mix of poisons including para-Methoxyamphetamine, a cheap version of ecstasy.

Victims were taken to hospitals across Melbourne, including The Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital and Footscray Hospital in serious conditions.

Three people were in a critical condition but were stable as of Saturday night.

Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman labelled Friday night as a “mass overdose”, saying revellers were lucky they did not “die on the spot”.

“These people needed to be intubated, they needed tubes down their lungs. We had to do the breathing for them to keep them alive,” Mr Holman said.

“They had St John’s there and doctors. If they weren’t there they may not have even got to hospital.”

Mr Holman said the mass overdose was a major incident for Ambulance Victoria and for the community.

“We are particularly concerned about this batch circulating around the community,” he said. “Don’t take these substances, they are going to hurt you and they’re going to kill you.”

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics remain on high alert this Australia Day long weekend as celebrations continue across the state.

“There’s a number of parties and events today and tomorrow and given what happened last night it’s clear these drugs are circulating,” he said.

“Our message to young people is simple. Don’t take these drugs. These are poisons and they will kill you.”

Ambulance Victoria said they remain on high alert this Australia Day long weekend as celebrations continue across the state.

“There’s a number of parties and events today and tomorrow and given what happened last night it’s clear these drugs are circulating,” he said.

“Our message to young people is simple. Don’t take these drugs. These are poisons and they will kill you.”

Symptoms of the overdose included:

• Unable to regulate temperature.
• Unconscious.
• Some needed to be intubated and ventilated.
• Not breathing

All nine overdose victims were taken to hospitals across Melbourne including, The Royal Melbourne, St Vincent’s Hospital and Footscray hospital, in a serious condition.

It’s understood revellers treated were all aged in their 20s.

Hard Kandy events, which operates the “I Am Hardstyle” dance parties, issued a statement on Saturday.

“We are aware of a few incidents that took place last night during the I Am Hardstyle event.

“We are currently working with the collective authorities and will respond with more information as soon as it comes to hand.

“We would also like to assure that safety for all of our events is of utmost importance and our number one priority.”

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