Seven dead after drugs overdoses at Vietnam dance event

Police in the city of Hanoi are trying to trace a drug that resulted in seven deaths and five people in a coma after apparently taking drugs at a dance music festival on Sunday.

The victims, all Vietnamese, tested positive for an unspecified drug, according to local press reports. Media also stated that local officials have banned all EDM festivals in the wake of the fatalities.

“Police investigators are trying to figure out what type of drug that was,” deputy director of Hanoi police Nguyen Van Vien told reporters.

“The incident yesterday … was very painful. It was a great loss.”

Sunday’s Trip to the Moon event was promoted by Vietnam Electronic Weekend in the city’s upscale West Lake, a neighbourhood popular among expats, teachers and youth for its nightlife and club scene.

“The incident yesterday … was very painful. It was a great loss,” said Tran Xuan Ha, deputy head of the propaganda department in Hanoi’s city government.

The tragedy could have significant ramifications for Asia’s multi-million-dollar dance music industry, as governments throughout the region could clamp down on events if drugs are perceived to be a problem.

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