SYDNEY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A teenager has died and at least 16 other people been taken to hospital after attending a major music and dance festival here on Saturday night, with police suspecting widespread drug overdoses and possession at the event.
A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital following a suspected drug overdose at the Homebush area festival and died early Sunday, according to a police statement.
Two women, aged 19 and 25, and a man who were taken to hospital following suspected drug overdoses remain in critical but stable condition, said police.
A further 130 people sought medical treatment during the event, where police officers issued 69 banning notices and conducted more than 200 searches, with over 60 people found in possession of drugs, they said.
More than 18,000 people attended the Knockout Games of Destiny event at Sydney Olympic Park, which has been billed as "the biggest indoor festival in the Southern Hemisphere," according to local media.
At least five people were charged with drug supply offences at the festival, including an 18-year-old girl who was allegedly found with nearly 400 capsules of the MDMA psychoactive drug, commonly known as "ecstasy", police said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
"Police and emergency services continue to send warning messages about illegal drugs, and many festival-goers are choosing to ignore them," said state police assistant commissioner Peter Thurtell.
