Nine people are fighting for their lives after falling seriously ill following suspected drugs overdoses at an Australia Day dance festival.
Emergency services were called to Festival Hall in west Melbourne at around 11.20pm to reports several people had collapsed.
It happened during Australia’s debut I Am Hardstyle festival at the popular city venue and Victoria Police are now investigating.
Nine people are fighting for their lives in hospital after suspected drugs overdoses at festival
The event was already five hours in when emergency services were called with partygoers reporting the event was cut short.
Reports suggest eight people fell ill inside the venue and needed urgent medical attention while a ninth collapsed nearby and also had to be treated, ABC reports.
Police are now appealing for witnesses and asking for anyone with information to come forward.
A Victoria Police spokesman said: ‘Police attended an event in West Melbourne last night following reports that a number of people were allegedly drug affected and required medical attention.
‘Emergency services were called to the Dudley Street venue about 11.20pm. Nine people were conveyed to hospital in a serious condition.’
The IAmHardstyle event was making its debut in Australia at the Festival Hall in west Melbourne
Partygoers reported the festival was cut short by the events which police are investigating
The Festival Hall, which recently announced it is due to close, is capable of holding around 5,000 people.
The venue was packed for the event, which kicked off at 6pm and featured six world-famous DJs and international artists with tickets costing up to $120.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au the police added
The Festival Hall has been approached for comment by Daily Mail Australia.