The “We R Young” teen festival in Hasselt was stopped on Wednesday evening following 22 teenagers became unwell, several media reported. A large number of them say they have felt a sting, but this has not yet been confirmed. Medical experts are on site, said the Limburg prosecutor’s office.
According to the mayor of Hasselt, Steven Vandeput (N-VA), six young people were taken to hospital as a precaution. Several ambulances and a team from the SMUR went to the scene. The local police decided to shut down the festival around 6 p.m.
“Around 5 p.m., a first girl felt unwell. Within an hour, 22 teenagers, boys and girls went to the aid station reporting cases of hyperventilation and headaches”, said the mayor of Hasselt. Six of the young people were taken to hospital, while sixteen others received the necessary treatment on the spot. The festival was shut down around 6:00 p.m., two hours earlier than planned. The site, which hosted around 3,300 young people, was then evacuated. The teenagers were escorted out under police supervision. Further investigation will reveal whether these are indeed cases of “wild bites”.
“If any evidence of a crime is found, the police will take action. We are dependent on the medical findings at this time. At this time, medical screening and triage are taking place. The police are present and monitoring the smooth running of this case”, explained the Limburg public prosecutor’s office. The phenomenon of “wild bites” is currently widely relayed by the media due to various incidents in Belgium and other countries. Several investigations are underway. Many people who have been bitten report feeling sick or dizzy.