Six people, including two teenage girls and four men, were transported to the hospital after a driver plowed into a crowd at a country music festival in Canada.
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Each person was transported to a nearby hospital with various non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred around 4:30 AM local time on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Festival Western in Saint-Tite, according to regional outlets CTV News, CBC and CP24.
Festival Western is a 10-day event featuring country music performances and rodeos.
The alleged driver fled the scene following the horrific crash. He was later arrested in Quebec City.
"The suspect fled and his vehicle was reportedly located in Quebec City," said Sergeant Marc Tessier of the Sûreté du Québec, per Le Journal de Montreal.
Event organizers confirmed to CTV News that the event will proceed as planned, despite surrounding roads being closed to vehicles.
Country Music Festival Resumes After Scary Incident
"An isolated incident beyond our control occurred early this morning on Saint-Joseph Boulevard. Our first thoughts go out to those involved and their families. We wish them a speedy recovery," the festival's director said in a statement obtained by the outlet.
"The safety of our festivalgoers, volunteers, and staff remains our top priority. The festival is a celebratory event where everyone should feel safe," the statement continued. "That is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure their safety."
It is currently unclear if those injured were involved in an argument with the driver before he plowed into the crowd, CBC and CTV News reported, citing Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
Police have reportedly ruled out that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and suggest that the incident was not premeditated.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette thanked police for responding swiftly and said that the injured victims are expected to recover fully during a visit to the festival on Saturday. Fréchette later shared photos of her visit on Facebook, captioned with a message of resilience and community.
"This is Mauricie, the land where people stand together, shake hands, and continue to keep our traditions alive," Fréchette wrote. "Thank you to Anne-Marie Lemire, general manager, as well as the entire organizing team and the many volunteers for their work and hospitality. You keep a tradition alive that brings Quebeccans together year after year."
"Despite the events, our desire to come together remains strong. We keep our thoughts with the injured and their loved ones," she concluded.
