Alexisonfire fans injured at Vancouver concert
According to The Vancouver Sun, nineteen people were injured and nine sent to the hospital after a barricade collapsed during Alexisonfire's Tuesday night (February 16) concert in Vancouver, British Columbia.Midway into the band's first song, the crowd surged forward, causing a section of the barricade to collapse. The band stopped playing immediately, and asked the crowd to step back. The crowd was informed that the show was cancelled, and they dispersed quickly and co-operatively.
"We always take great care in the safety of our fans and are saddened that this happened," the members of Alexisonfire said in a statement posted today (February 17) at the band's MySpace page. "We are sincerely sorry that people were injured. We want to thank the security team, paramedics and police for their quick reaction. We especially want to thank our fans for cooperating and not making a bad situation worse."
"Safety at Live City Vancouver our primary concern, and the response of Live Nation, our producer, was immediate," said City Manager, Dr. Penny Ballem, in a statement to the media earlier this evening. "When the incident occurred, everyone acted quickly, professionally, and took appropriate action. The security and on-site emergency medical response teams provided immediate assistance and care, the band kept people calm, and the crowd dispersed safely.
"We sincerely regret that individuals were injured at David Lam Park. The city is gratified that the response was quick and professional, and relieved that the injuries are not serious. Finally, I want to thank the members of Alexisonfire and Live Nation for their quick action to ensure the safety of all involved."