Man dies at Pitch music festival in suspected drug overdose as thousands are told pack up and leave because of dangerous heatwave

A man has died after suffering a suspected drug overdose at the Pitch festival held near Ararat in south-west Victoria.

The man, aged in his 20s, was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital about 4am on Sunday morning and later died at The Alfred.

The controversial festival was canceled on Sunday due to a dangerous heat wave and extreme fire danger, organizers said in a statement.

‘No one is in immediate danger. “We encourage everyone on site not to rush, pack up slowly and leave early tonight or tomorrow,” they said.

‘Remember to stay hydrated, and be patient and calm with staff and each other.’

Pitch Music & Arts 2024 (pictured) has been canceled due to the upgrade of a heatwave over Victoria from severe to extreme

The festival started on Friday and would last until Tuesday.

Two other festival goers – men in their 30s and 40s – were also taken to hospital for a suspected overdose and are in a stable condition.

More to come…