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Quebec provincial police are investigating after six people were injured after they were struck by a vehicle on the site of the Festival Western de Saint-Tite early Saturday morning.
Police say a collision between a vehicle and pedestrians took place on Saint-Joseph Boulevard in Saint-Tite, about 200 kilometres northeast of Montreal.
Witnesses say police arrived on scene around 4:30 a.m.
The vehicle fled the scene, according to the Sûreté du Québec. It was later found in the Quebec City region around 5:30 a.m.
A man in his 20s was arrested by police and is being questioned by investigators.
The victims were transported to hospital with various injuries, none of which were life threatening, police confirmed later Saturday.
The town is hosting the popular Festival Western de St-Tite and three Quebec political leaders are expected on site today as part of their respective campaigns.
Festival officials say Saturday’s activities will go ahead as planned.
“An isolated incident beyond our control occurred early this morning on Saint-Joseph Boulevard. Our thoughts are with those involved and their families. We wish them a speedy recovery,” the organizers said in a statement.
“The safety of our festival-goers, volunteers, and staff remains our top priority. The Festival is a festive event where everyone should feel safe. That’s why every effort is being made to ensure this.”
Police say Saint-Joseph Boulevard will remain closed to vehicle traffic between Du Couvent and Moulin Streets for most of Saturday as investigators and technicians work on the scene.
Quebec leaders react
The early morning incident took place as three Quebec party leaders were expected to attend the festival. The Quebec Liberals (PLQ), Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and the Parti Québécois (PQ) all had stops planned for Saturday.
CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette posted her condolences to the victims on X.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by the events that took place at the Western Festival in St-Tite. The ongoing investigation will determine the causes of this act,” Fréchette said.
PQ Leader Pierre St-Pierre Plamondon also offered his condolences.
“My thoughts are with the injured individuals, their loved ones, and all those who witnessed the distressing scene in Saint-Tite.,” St-Pierre Plamondon wrote on X.
“Thank you to the first responders who acted quickly. Quebecers should be able to enjoy places where they can gather and celebrate safely.”
