Two people die after falling ill at Belfast's Emerge Festival

An investigation is under way after two people died after falling ill at Belfast's Emerge Festival last weekend. 

On Sunday evening (August 24), 17-year-old Mia Keevan became unwell during the festival and later died in hospital on Monday morning. Earlier that day, 24-year-old Trae Keenan died at an AirBnb in Belfast after attending the festival on Saturday (August 23)

Belfast District Commander Allister Hagain told BBC News: "An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased."

Neither the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) or Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) have issued a statement regarding the circumstances of the deaths, however relatives told The Irish News that Trae Keenan had previously suffered from heart problems and his death "was not linked to drugs".

According to BBC News, two other people were treated in hospital after attending the festival: a woman in her 30s, who remains in a critical condition, and a teenage boy who received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. 

Belfast City Council said it is "deeply saddened" by Keevan's death, and has offered "sincere condolences to the young person's family at this difficult time." 

Yesterday (August 27), the council held an emergency meeting to determine action around the deaths, with Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth sharing "disappointment" over the lack of clarity from the Public Health Agency (PHA) which he believes has fuelled "online speculation."

Smyth referenced a report today (August 28), in which Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSA) issued a warning over "super-strength) MDMA in circulation at last weekend's Electric Picnic Festival. 

Mixmag has contacted representatives for Emerge Festival for comment.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter