Alcohol played a big factor in the chaos that marked the end of a Keith Urban country music concert in Massachusetts, as police arrested at least 50 and area hospitals treated dozens.
“Last evening’s Keith Urban concert was not anticipated to present with the volume of issues handled, but measures were in place to provide appropriate and adequate care and protection to all patrons. As a result, although there was a higher than expected volume, appropriate care was available through the expandable model,” said Mansfield Police Chief Ron Sellon and Fire Chief Neil Boldrighini in a joint statement. the Boston Herald reported.
Authorities described the tail end of the concert as an endless convoy of ambulances and emergency vehicles.
“Fire and EMS attended to 46 medicals resulting in 22 transports, mostly alcohol-related,” the joint statement said, the Boston Herald reported. Another 50 were arrested for various charges, mostly related to alcohol, media reported.
The chaos even reached the ears of Mr. Urban himself. He tweeted a video message right after his show, during which he sang the Bee Gees hit “Massachusetts,” the Boston Herald reported.
“What a great night tonight. It was killer. Gosh, up on the lawn tonight, that was nutso. It was so cool,” he said to his fans in the video, the Boston Herald reported. “Anyway, if you came tonight, thank you very much for giving us all the love and energy. Boston Strong. I love you. Night-night.”
More than 18,000 attended the concert.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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