Six people have been injured after a vehicle drove into the crowds at the Festival Western in Saint-Tite, Que., early Saturday. At about 4:30 a.m., police received a 911 call about a vehicle that drove into crowds at the festival on St-Joseph Blvd. in the Mauricie region. Provincial police, Sûreté du Québec (SQ), told CTV News that the six individuals were transported to hospital with various non-life-threatening injuries. The victims are two women, both 18 years old, and four men, aged 17 to 21. The driver, a man in his 20s, fled the scene when police arrived. Police pursued the man and arrested him about an hour later in Québec City. Police said preliminary findings from their ongoing investigation indicate the incident was not premeditated. They told CTV News that alcohol has been ruled out and the driver had been involved in several altercations before the incident occurred. The man was later released by police with a promise to appear in court. St-Joseph Blvd. between du Couvent and du Moulin streets remain closed until the festival ends Sunday. In a statement to CTV News, the festival’s director of communications said festival activities will proceed as scheduled today. “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 statement reads. “The safety of our festivalgoers, volunteers, and staff remains our top priority. The festival is a celebratory event where everyone should feel safe. That is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure their safety.” The festival runs every September in Saint-Tite and features 10 days of country music, professional rodeos, and western-themed activities. Quebec party leaders respond Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette visited the festival Saturday afternoon and expressed gratitude to reporters that the six individuals are expected to recover. She also thanked the police for their prompt response. Several other Quebec politicians responded to the incident on social media. Minister of Public Safety Ian Lafrenière offered his condolences to victims and thanked first responders on social media. “Few details are known at this time. All resources are being mobilized. Thank you to all frontline responders answering the call. Our thoughts are with those affected and their loved ones,” he wrote. Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon also offered his condolences and thanked police on social media. “My thoughts are with the injured individuals, their loved ones, and all those who witnessed the distressing scene in Saint-Tite. We have very few details about the circumstances of the event, and we remain in contact with the relevant authorities,” St-Pierre Plamondon wrote. “Thank you to the first responders who intervened swiftly. Quebecers should be able to enjoy gathering places and celebrate in complete safety.” Quebec Conservative Party leader Éric Duhaime echoed St-Pierre Plamondon’s sentiments on social media. “My thoughts are with the people injured this morning in Saint-Tite, as well as their loved ones. I want to thank the first responders and all those who will work today to care for the victims and shed light on this tragic event,” he wrote. Québec Solidaire co-leader Ruba Ghazal said on social media she was appalled to learn what happened. “My thoughts go out to the injured people and their families. I hope that the authorities will quickly shed light on what happened,” Ghazal wrote. Quebec Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard shared photos of himself at the festival and offered his condolences on social media. “Upon my arrival in St-Tite this morning, I t ook the time to go and greet and exchange with members of the festival organization in order to offer them our support following the tragic event that occurred earlier this morning,” he wrote. “A very special thought for the victims and their families. Despite the incomprehension and sadness that mark this day, I wish everyone a great festival.”
