Drunk Teens Hospitalized at Jones Beach Concert

Teenagers were hospitalized with alcohol poisoning and dozens more sent home with parents during a concert at the Nikon Theater at Jones Beach Wednesday night, authorities said.

Officers at the scene issued 46 tickets for underage drinking while 14 were rushed to the hospital, according to State Park Police. More than 40 teens were sent home with their parents, according to News 12.

The alcohol was apparently brought from home, as officials said the theater’s beer garden was closed and concession stands did not sell alcohol during the concert.

Nassau County Police were also called to the concert, which featured Fall Out Boy, Wiz Khalifa, and Hoodie Allen.

Multiple people were also arrested for drug-related offenses and DWI, according to WCBS.

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“A full contingent of Park Police were assigned in advance to the concert and vigorously enforced underage drinking laws,” State Park Police said in a statement Thursday evening. They added that “the safety of our visitors is State Parks’ highest priority” and that they will review the incident with Live Nation to improve safety.

There were 22 State Park Police officers on duty at the concert, according to WCBS.

“There were kids passing out in the parkway, being dragged off the parkway so they don’t get run over. It’s gambling with public safety that cannot continue,” said Sgt. Manny Vilar, president of the state Police Benevolent Association, according to WCBS 880. “Somebody’s going to die.”

Vilar added that the ratio of park police to concertgoers was unacceptable. Approximately 13,000 people attended, according to State Park Police.

The Wantagh and Bellmore fire departments responded to the Wantagh theater to provide medical transport to area hospitals, according to Newsday.

The concert, which is part of The Boys of Zummer Tour, is presented by Live Nation.

Photo via Flickr Creative Commons/Peter Dutton