Reggae Sumfest To Strengthen Safety Measures After Stampede On Festival Night One
Reggae Sumfest organizers have promised to implement “additional crowd control and safety measures” for the remainder of the festival, after a stampede during Festival Night One left several patrons injured at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex early Saturday morning.
The night, which featured performances from Masicka, Govana, Tommy Lee Sparta, and the highly anticipated crowning of Vybz Kartel as King of Dancehall, ended in chaos when tensions in the crowd escalated. Witnesses said the crowd pushed down a fence between general admission and VIP sections, triggering panic and a stampede that interrupted Kartel’s coronation and left several injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday (July 19), the festival organizers acknowledged the incident and assured the public that emergency protocols were activated promptly.
“Unfortunately, the incident led to injuries among several of our patrons,” the statement read. “Our emergency response protocols were activated without delay, allowing our teams to quickly and effectively stabilize the situation.”
Organizers stressed that safety remains their top priority and that they are conducting “a full review of the incident alongside security consultants and law enforcement.” They assured patrons that enhanced safety measures are being implemented immediately.
“We will be implementing additional crowd control and safety measures effective immediately,” they added.
Despite the disruption, Festival Night Two is still set to proceed tonight, with the team working closely with the Montego Bay Police and Fire Brigade.
“Reggae Sumfest, in partnership with the Montego Bay law enforcement and Fire Brigade, remains committed to delivering a safe, world-class experience to the people of Jamaica and our international guests tonight for Reggae Sumfest, Night II,” the statement said.
The festival also expressed concern for those hurt in the incident.
“The festival organizers extend their heartfelt concern for all those who were injured during this unfortunate incident.”
The exact number and severity of injuries had not been confirmed up to press time.