Last night, an unsettling incident unfolded at St. Paul’s Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where eight children were hospitalized following the onset of “seizure-like symptoms” during a concert by the renowned Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France choir. Initially, first responders were alerted to a child experiencing a seizure at the event. However, upon arrival, the situation shifted dramatically: the supposedly ill child was found sitting normally on the church’s steps. Chief Thomas Cahill of the Cambridge Fire Department noted that this triggered a swift escalation, leading to seven additional attendees exhibiting similar symptoms.
The affected children, identified as being pre-teen and early teen ages, were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Thankfully, the Cambridge Fire Department reported that their conditions were non-life-threatening. Out of approximately 70 concert attendees, the overwhelming majority remained unaffected by the event. In a bid to ensure safety, the fire department’s hazmat team conducted a comprehensive examination of the church facilities, utilizing air sampling meters. This assessment yielded negative results, alleviating concerns of hazardous conditions within the premises.
Witness accounts indicated that several individuals, both students and adults, reported unusual odors in the church prior to the alarming incidents. Chief Cahill emphasized the distinctiveness of the situation, citing it as an ordinary medical call that unexpectedly escalated. The church’s representative echoed this sentiment, noting the rarity of such coordinated medical responses in a single event. Interestingly, investigators have yet to determine the precise cause of the children’s ailments.
As the investigation unfolded, St. Paul’s Parish highlighted the significance of the concert, which was part of a broader 2025 U.S. tour by the celebrated youth choir. Founded in 1970, the Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France has built an exemplary reputation, performing alongside esteemed conductors and artists globally. The concert was intended to feature a vibrant mix of sacred, secular, and popular French songs, drawing the community together for a shared cultural experience.
In the wake of the incident, first responders ensured that all concert occupants were safely escorted away from the scene, often accompanied by designated chaperones. This meticulous care was critical in managing the events of the evening, showcasing the dedication of local emergency services. While the hospitalizations created concern among families and attendees alike, responders acted swiftly to mitigate risks and secure a safe environment.
Despite the unsettling events, the church and choir representatives continued to express gratitude for the prompt actions of the first responders and the supportive community during this distressing time. As the investigation continues, officials aim to provide clarity on what led to the sudden health crisis among the young attendees, prioritizing the safety and well-being of future events in the area.
