At the Festival Western in Saint-Tite, Quebec, a vehicle struck a crowd around 4:30 a.m. on Sept. 19, injuring six people—two women (both 18) and four men (17–21)—who were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The alleged driver, a man in his 20s, fled but was arrested in Quebec City after police located the vehicle. Authorities say preliminary findings suggest the act was not premeditated and alcohol has been ruled out; the investigation is ongoing. Festival organizers confirmed the event will continue with enhanced safety measures while officials review the incident.
Six Injured After Vehicle Plows Into Crowd at Saint-Tite Country Festival; Suspect Arrested in Quebec City
Police at the scene after a vehicle struck pedestriansCredit: CBC News/YouTube
At least six people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Festival Western in Saint-Tite, Quebec, early on Sept. 19, authorities said.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) responded to reports of the incident at about 4:30 a.m. local time at the 10-day country music and rodeo event roughly 124 miles northeast of Montreal. Six festivalgoers — two women, both 18, and four men aged 17 to 21 — were transported to hospital and treated for injuries that officials described as not life-threatening.
Police say the alleged driver, a man in his 20s, fled the scene but was later located and arrested in Quebec City after officers found the vehicle there. Sergeant Marc Tessier of the Sûreté du Québec confirmed investigators recovered the vehicle and that the suspect is being interviewed as the inquiry continues.
Crime scene tape (stock image)Credit: Alalmy
Preliminary findings indicate the incident does not appear to have been premeditated, and investigators have reportedly ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor. It remains unclear whether those struck had any prior interaction with the driver before the vehicle struck the crowd.
Festival response and safety measures
The Festival Western's director said the incident was "an isolated event beyond our control" and expressed concern for the injured and their families. Organizers confirmed the festival would continue as scheduled and said they were taking additional steps to ensure the safety of attendees, volunteers and staff. Some surrounding roads were temporarily closed while authorities worked at the scene.
Police vehicle (stock image)Credit: Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty
"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 statement said.
Officials and public reaction
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette visited the festival on Saturday afternoon, thanked police and first responders for their work, and said the injured were expected to recover. In social media posts she praised local organizers and volunteers for maintaining long-standing traditions in the Mauricie region.
"This is Mauricie, the land where people stand together... Despite the events, our desire to come together remains strong. We keep our thoughts with the injured and their loved ones." — Christine Fréchette
Several public figures also expressed concern on social media. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney posted words of sympathy; some posts referenced a different number of people affected, but official police reports indicate six were hospitalized.
Sûreté du Québec and Festival Western did not immediately provide additional comment to media as the investigation continues.
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