Phuket –
An American and a Canadian tourist have both been pronounced dead after they reportedly suddenly fell unconscious at the ongoing Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC, concert taking place this weekend in Cherng Talay.
The Cherng Talay Police told the Phuket Express that the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is being held from January 17th to January 19th at the Boat Avenue Lakefront in Cherng Talay, Thalang.
The event, which is taking place from January 17th to January 19th at the Boat Avenue Lakefront in Cherng Talay, Thalang, has been overshadowed by these sudden fatalities. However, the event is scheduled to continue this evening under closer precautions, say police and organizers.
The Cherng Talay Police reported to The Phuket Express that they were first alerted to the situation at approximately 8:50 P.M. on Saturday, January 18th, when emergency responders at the concert rushed a 28-year-old Canadian, identified as Mr. Sharfaraz, to Thalang Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Mr. Sharfaraz was pronounced dead at 9:26 P.M. His friend informed the police that Mr. Sharfaraz had suddenly fell unconscious during the concert but it was unclear why.
Later that night, just after midnight, the police received another notification from Thalang Hospital about the death of a 32-year-old American, Mr. Minh. He was reported to have lost consciousness at around 11:25 P.M. during the concert and was declared deceased at 0:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 19th.
Investigations into the cause of death for both individuals are ongoing. The police confirmed that alcohol and drug tests were conducted to determine if substance use played a role in these tragic events. However, no further details regarding the test results have been released as of press time and both organizers and police are waiting for these results before issuing further comment.
The Electric Daisy Carnival, known for its vibrant music, elaborate art installations, and large-scale entertainment, attracts thousands of electronic dance music enthusiasts from around the globe. This year’s event in Phuket was anticipated to be a significant cultural highlight, featuring performances by renowned DJs such as Skrillex, Tiësto, and Afrojack, among others.
Local authorities and event organizers are cooperating closely to understand the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
The EDC festival continues to run through January 19th, with heightened attention to attendee safety. As more information becomes available, further updates will be provided.
