Hardmission Festival: Reason for mass overdose explained

Nine people became unwell after taking drugs at the rave at Flemington Showgrounds, in Melbourne, with eight being put in induced comas.

It was feared that the overdoses were caused by a rogue batch of MDMA, but the health department say this is not the case.

But rather the revellers fell ill due to a combination of taking the party drug in hot, humid temperatures while engaging in “physical exertion”, the Herald Sun reported.

Seven of the revellers were found to have MDMA in their blood, with six having “very high” amounts of the drug in their system.

One reveller had PMMA in their system, a stimulant drug that is sold as or mixed with MDMA.

Sadly three revellers are still fighting for life.

These are two men in their 20s and a woman in her teens.

A man in his 20s is still in a serious condition.

In a statement issued to the Herald Sun on Friday the Department of Health said the mass overdose was caused by MDMA, high temperatures with high humidity, physical activity and taking other substances.

“Nine people recently became unwell after using MDMA at a music event. Some were also exposed to PMMA, synthetic cathinones and/or methamphetamine,” the alert read.

“Seven people who became unwell had specialised blood tests, all of which showed MDMA. Six had very high concentrations of MDMA.

“Consuming these substances at a hot, humid music event will increase the risk of life-threatening hyperthermia.

“All patients in this cluster experienced life-threatening hyperthermia (high body temperature). Consuming MDMA causes your core body temperature to increase.

“A larger dose of MDMA on its own can be enough to cause hyperthermia. Additional factors will make the body even hotter.”

The department said festival goers should be aware of the signs.

“Signs of drug-related hyperthermia include feeling uncomfortably hot, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst, confusion, agitation, muscle spasms, seizures or losing consciousness. “Experiencing even one of these signs is reason to get help,” they added.

“If you experience any unusual or unexpected effects, or notice someone appearing confused or unwell, seek urgent medical attention. Don’t delay seeking help.”