Two attendees at the festival have died and at least three others were treated in hospital
Two young people have tragically died following the Emerge Music Festival in Belfast over the weekend. Seventeen-year-old Mia Keevan became unwell at the event on Sunday night and later died in hospital, while 24-year-old Trae Keenan passed away after falling ill at an Airbnb on Sunday morning, having attended the festival the night before. Both deaths are now the subject of ongoing police investigations.
The PSNI have confirmed that officers were on site throughout the two-day festival, supported by specialist units including Air Support, Tactical Support, the Dog Section and Roads Policing. Police said their priority was ensuring public safety in partnership with organisers and Belfast City Council, and that seven arrests were made over the course of the weekend. Thirteen immediate disposals were also issued for offences ranging from disorderly behaviour to possession of controlled drugs.
Despite repeated requests for clarity, key agencies involved in the festival have remained tight-lipped. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service declined to comment on the deaths, while organisers Shine Productions and medical provider Paragon Healthcare Solutions have not responded to questions. Police, meanwhile, have refused to confirm whether they believe the deaths of Mia Keevan and Trae Keenan are linked.
How many people died and how many were treated in hospital?
Police were called to an Airbnb at Victoria Place apartments in South Belfast on Sunday to assist the NIAS. 24 year old Trae Keenan was taken to the Royal Victortia Hospital where he subsequently died.
Police also attended a report of the sudden death of a girl aged in her late teens on Sunday, 24th August, who died in hospital after becoming unwell at the festival
A woman aged in her 30s was taken to hospital on Sunday where she was described as being in a serious but stable condition while a boy aged in his teens received treatment and was expected to make a full recovery.
Additionally, Belfast Live spoke to the grandmother of a 17 year old girl who required hosptial treatment after she was allegedly spiked at the event.
What have the PSNI said?
In a statement on Tuesday, Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan, said: “As with all large-scale events, a range of agencies were involved in supporting the safe delivery of the festival. Police were present across the weekend, working in partnership with organisers and Belfast City Council to help ensure the safety of those attending.
“Over the course of the two-day event, local police were supported by specialist officers from a range of units, including from Air Support, Tactical Support, Dog Section and Roads Policing. “Officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued thirteen immediate disposals – three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution and nine Community Resolution Notices. Offences included disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.” Superintendent Hagan continued: “During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital. “Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25th August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased. “Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend.”
What have the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said?
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service refused to comment on either the death of Mia Keevan or Trae Keenan.
What have event organisers said?
Shine Productions, organisers of the Emerge Music Festival, have not responded to questions from Belfast Live regarding the incidents.
What have the event medics said?
Paragon Healthcare Solutions, which provided medical cover for the event, has not responded to Belfast Live’s request for comment.
Are the PSNI linking the deaths of Mia Keevan and Trae Keenan?
The PSNI have refused to confirm if they are linking the deaths of Mia Keevan and Trae Keenan following the Emerge Festival at the weekend.
Trae Keenan died after becoming unwell at an Airbnb in the Victoria Place apartments on Sunday morning. It is understood that he had attended the Emerge Festival on Saturday night.
17-year-old Mia Keevan died in hospital after becoming unwell at the event on Sunday night.
Have the PSNI identified what caused these deaths and a number of hospitalisations?
The PSNI have yet to confirm if they have identified the cause of death for both Mia Keevan and Trae Keenan. Officers previously stated that a post-mortem would be conducted on Trae Keenan
How many incidents were dealt with in connection with the festival?
During the festival, police made seven arrests and issued thirteen immediate disposals, including three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution, and nine Community Resolution Notices. Offences included disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police, and possession of controlled drugs.
Do the PSNI plan to review how they police large-scale events such as Emerge in light of these incidents?
The PSNI have refused to comment on whether it will review how it polices events in the future.
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