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Ladysmith Light Up parade delayed by medical emergencies

The 32nd annual Light Up parade was delayed by two separate medical emergencies on Thursday night
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1st Avenue lit up as attendees await the Light Up parade (Cole Schisler photo)

Ladysmith’s 32nd-annual Light Up parade was delayed by two separate medical emergencies on Thursday night.

One person was reported as having heart issues, and another was reported as having a hip issue. Both emergencies occurred along the parade route right before the Light Up parade began. The individual with heart issues was capable of walking to the stretcher, the individual with the hip issue was not. The emergencies were deemed non life threatening.

Prior to the medical emergencies, there were two motor vehicle incidents, (MVIs) on the Trans Canada Highway. One occurred near Coronation Mall, and the other at Grouhel Road and Highway 1. An ambulance was called to the MVI at Grouhel Road.

In total, three ambulances responded to the Ladysmith area — one of which was called from out of area to respond. The Light Up parade was delayed by nearly an hour because of the medical emergencies.

With the delayed parade and temperatures around negative two degrees celsius, many Light Up attendees left early. Fulford estimated 30,000 - 35,000 people were in attendance at the beginning.

“By the time the parade actually started, we were seeing people leave in droves after 45 minutes because their kids were too cold, and such like that,” Ladysmith RCMP constable Barry Fulford said.

Once the individuals were safely taken by ambulance, the parade commenced and there were no other issues.

“The parade ended up going without a hitch once it started. The fireworks went without a hitch, and there were no issues following the termination of the fireworks.”

Fulford thanked all attendees for their patience, cooperation, and good behaviour.

“The folks that attend are awesome. They behave themselves, they come for the event, and I think they have typically a great time.”