Eight Children Hospitalized After Seizure-Like Symptoms During Church Choir Performance
Incident at Cambridge Church
On July 22, eight children performing with the renowned French youth choir, Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France, suddenly fell ill during a concert at St. Paul Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard University. The children, aged 11 to 13, displayed seizure-like symptoms mid-performance, prompting immediate emergency response.
Rapid Response and Treatment
Cambridge firefighters quickly arrived on the scene after receiving calls about the incident. Acting Fire Chief Thomas Cahill explained that one child initially showed signs of seizing while seated on the church steps. However, the condition rapidly spread, affecting seven more children. The fire crew treated all eight kids for non-life-threatening conditions and transported them to local hospitals for further evaluation. Importantly, none of the children had shown any symptoms before the concert began.
Mysterious Odor and Hazmat Investigation
Witnesses reported a “stranger odor” during the event, raising concerns among attendees. Although some adults and children smelled something unusual, emergency crews detected no harmful substances. As a precaution, hazmat teams conducted a thorough sweep of the church using multiple air sampling meters. They found no hazardous materials or carbon monoxide, ruling out these as possible causes.
Ongoing Investigation
Chief Cahill described the event as “somewhat unusual,” emphasizing that what began as a routine medical call escalated quickly. Despite thorough testing, officials remain uncertain about the trigger behind the seizure-like episodes. “At this time, we are not sure what caused the reaction,” Cahill told The Boston Globe.
Community Update and Safety Assurance
The Cambridge Fire Department shared details on Facebook, reassuring the public that the situation was under control. Their post confirmed that approximately 70 people attended the concert, with only eight affected. The building was ventilated, and all attendees left safely under supervision.
In response to public concern, the fire department explicitly denied any carbon monoxide presence. “No CO was detected via several fire company air sampling meters,” a spokesperson clarified.
