One dead and 12 hospitalised after Sydney music festival Transmission

By ERIN MODARO

A Sydney techno music festival has resulted in 12 people being hospitalised and one dead in suspected drug overdoses. Commonwealth Bank associate Kieran Ngo has been identified as the man who died.

Ngo went to Bankstown hospital at around 1:30am on the morning after the festival with issues relating to a suspected drug overdose. Police arrived that Bankstown Hospital at approximately 3am to investigate the circumstances of the death of a 26-year-old-man.

A spokesperson from Commonwealth Bank confirmed Ngo’s identity to the Sydney Morning Herald and said that “We are shocked and saddened by the news of the death of our valued staff member, Kieran”.

12 other festival attendees were taken to hospital for treatment relating to drugs, 7  of which required breathing support. Police report that 130 people were treated at the festival for issues relating to heat exhaustion and drug use.

Over 18,000 people attended Transmission Music Festival held at the Sydney Showground on Saturday February 11. Saturday marked the hottest recorded temperatures in the suburb since December 2021, reaching a peak of 36.6 degrees.

6 arrested with drug offences

Police say the event was classified as ‘high-risk’ under the Music Festivals Act 2019, and so a high-visibility police operation was carried out.

Police were assisted by security officers, NSW paramedics and medical professionals to ensure safety of festival goers.

As a result of the large police operation, six men were arrested for alleged drug related offences at the festival, all aged between 19 and 33.

A 23-year-old man from Oren Park was allegedly found to be in possession of 253 MDMA tablets, and was charged with supply of prohibited drugs. He was refused bail.

A 21-year-old Fairfield man was allegedly found with 149 MDMA tablets, and was also charged with supplying prohibited drugs.

The other 4 men who were charged with supply were issued court notices, and are due in court at later dates.