partygoer dies after cardio-respiratory arrest

A reveler participating in the illegal rave party in Parnay, Maine-et-Loire, died this Sunday morning, the prefecture announced in a press release. He had been treated some time earlier by emergency services following a cardio-respiratory arrest. An investigation was opened by the Saumur public prosecutor’s office to determine the exact circumstances of his death.

The undeclared party began Thursday morning on agricultural land in this small town, attracting thousands of revelers “illegally and without the owner’s consent”, denounced the prefecture. Estimated at around 7,000 people on Friday, “The public continued to flock to the site throughout the night. Around 10,000 people gathered at the rave party site. Saturday morning, with “drugs and alcohol” which increase “risks for personal safety”.

Lack of sanitation and access to drinking water

Revelers came from all over France to take part in this undeclared event which is due to last until Sunday and which took neighboring towns and the authorities by surprise. The prefecture notably pointed out on Friday the absence of sanitary facilities and access to drinking water on the site. Friday afternoon, technicians installed a temporary water point nearby, according to AFP.

Authorities were also concerned about access difficulties for emergency vehicles. “The work of law enforcement and emergency services has secured a red axis allowing the evacuation of emergencies”, the prefecture welcomed on Saturday, specifying that six transfers have been made to the Saumur hospital center since the start of the event. According to the results as of Saturday morning, more than 95 people were treated by emergency services.

The prefect issued an order on Tuesday prohibiting festive gatherings, just like those in neighboring departments who were expecting this type of gathering on this long Ascension Bridge weekend.