Vehicle Strikes Six Pedestrians at Festival Western de Saint-Tite
Six pedestrians were injured after being struck by a vehicle at the Festival Western de Saint-Tite in Quebec early Saturday morning, September 19, 2026. The victims, identified as two young women and four young men aged between 17 and 21, were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A man in his 20s was arrested in the Quebec City area about an hour after the incident, having fled the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event is ongoing, with police indicating it is not yet clear if the incident was intentional.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Quebec’s Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière stated there was no reason to believe the incident was terrorism-related. Lafrenière suggested the incident may have escalated from an argument. The Festival Western de Saint-Tite continued its scheduled activities on Saturday despite the incident. Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Marc Tessier indicated that the driver was likely to be released later on Saturday with a promise to appear in court at a later date. The Canadian Press News reported on the initial details of the incident, which quickly garnered attention across the region.
Background of the Festival Western de Saint-Tite
The Festival Western de Saint-Tite is an annual country music and rodeo festival held in Saint-Tite, Quebec, Canada. Established in 1967, the festival has grown significantly over the decades, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is renowned for its professional rodeo competitions, which are among the largest in Eastern Canada, and its diverse program of country music concerts. The festival typically runs for ten days in early September, culminating in a final weekend of events. Its economic impact on the Mauricie region is substantial, drawing tourists and generating revenue for local businesses. The event is a cornerstone of Quebec’s cultural calendar, celebrating cowboy culture and country traditions. Previous incidents at large-scale festivals have sometimes involved logistical challenges or crowd control issues, but vehicular incidents of this nature are rare. The festival’s official website provides further details on its history and programming.
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