MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Four people are reported to have died following a concert early Sunday morning, May 22, in Pasay City.
The victims – 3 males and one female – were found unconscious during the "Close Up Forever Summer" outdoor concert held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) concert grounds, investigating officer Giovanni Arcinue told Agence France-Presse.
Among the fatalities, he added, was a 33-year-old foreign man, believed to be American.
"They just collapsed individually. They did not know each other. They were all in different places at the time," Arcinue said.
He said the cause of their collapse was still unknown although police were looking at possible heatstroke or dehydration as the country is sweltering under high temperatures brought on by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
He also said it was too early to say that the deaths were caused by drug-laced drinks, despite rumors spreading on social media.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, May 22, Activations Advertising and Eventscape – the organizations behind the concert – confirmed that the incident happened “despite very stringent measures and precautions” in place.
They emphasized that they are fully cooperating with the authorities in the investigations and extended their sympathies to the victims' families.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who’ve passed away, and commit support in their time of bereavement,” the organizers said.
They added that they have immediately provided medical assistance to the victims and will continue to do so for those who are yet to recover.
– with reports from Agence France-Presse / Rappler.com