Mystery at Church Concert: Eight Children Hospitalized After Sudden Illness in Cambridge
Panic Erupts Mid-Performance
What began as a serene evening of music turned into a medical emergency on July 22, when eight young singers from the acclaimed French youth choir, Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France, were suddenly struck by seizure-like symptoms during a performance at St. Paul Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts — just steps from Harvard University.
Emergency Response and Medical Care
Cambridge firefighters responded swiftly after initial reports of a child appearing to seize while seated on the church steps. Within moments, the alarming symptoms had spread to seven more children, all between the ages of 11 and 13. Firefighters treated them for non-life-threatening conditions before transporting them to nearby hospitals for further evaluation. None of the children had shown any signs of illness prior to the concert.
Unexplained Odor Sparks Hazmat Investigation
Adding to the confusion, several attendees reported detecting a strange odor during the performance. While it was enough to prompt concern, fire officials — including hazmat teams — found no trace of hazardous substances or carbon monoxide after conducting a comprehensive air quality assessment.
Officials Still Searching for Answers
“This was a somewhat unusual event,” said Acting Fire Chief Thomas Cahill. “It began as a single medical issue but quickly escalated, which is rare.” Despite a full sweep of the premises, the cause of the children’s symptoms remains a mystery. Authorities continue to investigate but have yet to identify any environmental or chemical trigger.
Community Reassurance
Roughly 70 people attended the concert, and the building was promptly ventilated following the incident. The Cambridge Fire Department later took to Facebook to confirm that the situation was under control and that all guests had exited safely. They also reassured the public that “no carbon monoxide was detected” at any point during the incident.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with unanswered questions — and a lingering sense of unease after an evening meant to inspire harmony.