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(Updated)
Quick action and careful planning are being credited for the effective emergency response to a double stabbing last night hamilton… two teens were stabbed amid a crowd of thousands — just as canada day fireworks wrapped up at Bayfront Park. Even though they had to pass through a herd of onlookers, the victims made it safely to hospital.
Minutes after the final Canada Day fireworks disappeared from view, and tens of thousands of people began streaming out of Hamilton’s Bayfront Park, a fight broke out.
Christine Pierce was a witness: “We saw two groups of younger kids, I guess who looked to be in high school. They kind of gathered around, there was lots of screaming and people pulling, grabbing at each other.”
During the altercation, two young men were stabbed.
With roughly 30,000 residents in and around the park, special measures had to be taken to treat the teens.
Ann Lamanes is with Hamilton Planning and Economic Development: “Upon learning of the incident, the emergency response plan was activated so that immediate response could be given to the victims.”
First aid workers contracted by the city rushed to the boys, and Hamilton EMS responded shortly after.
Ian Wright is Operations Commander of Hamilton EMS: “We received the call at 10:45 pm and our first paramedic unit was on scene within five minutes.”
Because of the crowd, paramedics decided it was safest to transport the boys in a golf cart. They were taken up to the street, where an ambulance was waiting.
A 15-year old boy was taken to McMaster Children’s Hospital with minor stab wounds. A 17-year old went to Hamilton General with more serious injuries that were later downgraded.
Police are still investigating. So far, no suspects have been named.
Before a large scale event like the Bayfront fireworks, the city contracts extra police for traffic control and puts an emergency plan into place in case something goes wrong. Authorities say, in this case, the plan was activated and everything went according to procedure.
