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One man has died and five have been hospitalised due to 'drug-related illness' after the opening night at Manchester's Warehouse Project last night (Friday 27 September).
The 30-year-old man was taken to hospital after falling ill during a show featuring Axwell and Armand Van Helden. He died this morning. Five more people were taken to hospital with similar symptoms but are not said to be in danger. Local Police have blamed the incidents on 'a bad batch of ecstasy'.
“We have now launched an investigation to establish the circumstances leading up to his death," said Detective Inspector Aaron Duggan. "It is possible that there may be a particularly bad batch of drugs out there in the community and that is a concern to us.”
The Warehouse Project then issued a statement speaking of their 'devastation' and stressing their 'zero tolerance' policy towards drugs.
"The Warehouse Project are sad to announce that a 30-year-old man that attended the club last night has died this morning, Saturday 28th September, after ingesting contaminated drugs.," said Sacha Lord-Marchionne, Director, The Warehouse Project. "After collapsing, he was taken into medical care onsite immediately and onto the Manchester Royal Infirmary. However, unfortunately he died shortly before 4.30am. Authorities advised that no further action could have prevented the circumstances.
"The Warehouse Project are assisting the police with their ongoing enquiries surrounding the circumstances of the man’s death. They have suggested that there may have been a bad batch of ecstasy in circulation as others who attended last nights event are also unwell. While these people are in no danger, some are still being treated. The Warehouse Project operate a zero tolerance drugs policy and have strict measures in place to avoid any entering the premises. They are deeply saddened about the incident, and send their thoughts out to family and friends."
He continued: “Everyone at The Warehouse Project are absolutely devastated about the news and our condolences are with the man’s family. We put every possible measure and provision in place during the events and work closely with all the authorities in the planning stages to avoid these terrible situations arising. The police have suggested that this may be have been the latest of a spate of similar incidents, and be from a bad batch of drugs currently circulating in the North West.
"Whether your coming to The Warehouse Project or anywhere else for a night out, we urge people to take care and look out for their friends, and seek assistance as soon possible if you feel unwell.”
Other acts appearing at this year's Warehouse Project series of shows include The Prodigy, Chic & Nile Rodgers, Thom Yorke, Phoenix, The Knife, Hot Chip, Disclosure, Fourtet, 2ManyDJs, Julio Bashmore, Major Lazer, Chromeo and Bipolar Sunshine.
Among the many other shows announced between September and January are a headline live show from Rudimental on Saturday 12 October, The Knife on Friday 25 October, a show curated Fourtet and Caribou featuring a Thom Yorke DJ set on Saturday 2 November and a special Bestival gig with sets from Hot Chip, 2ManyDJs, Rob Da Bank, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, the last European show of Chic with Nile Rodgers and many, many more.
For more information on WHP13, visit here.
