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Carlos Acevedo, head of the Office for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration, declared on Sunday that a multitude had converged on Old San Juan as the traditional Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián drew to a close, offering a festive and cultural atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
In light of the security protocols implemented to safeguard participants, officials planned to assess the suspension of the municipal transport system at 3 p.m. Sunday due to the influx of attendees. If the attendance figure reached 200,000, transportation services from the designated points at Sagrado Corazón and Hiram Bithorn would be halted.
“Out of our commitment to ensuring the safety of all participants, we have made this choice to avert any significant incident and to foster a tranquil experience,” Acevedo stated early Sunday afternoon.
The event thrived owing to the cooperation of those attending, whose commendable conduct has enabled this iconic festivity to remain orderly and secure, the official remarked.
“We wish for everyone to fully enjoy these celebrations; however, we must also make prudent choices to maintain the safety of all participants,” Acevedo emphasized.
The public was encouraged to follow the municipality’s official social media accounts for real-time updates concerning any security measures and transportation details.
The municipality expressed gratitude to the public for their involvement and for aiding in the success of this grand celebration. The measures reflect the municipality’s dedication to the safety and comfort of the thousands gathered to relish music, art, and culture, contributing to a record attendance during the four-day event.
Festival attendee hospitalized after falling from wall
The festival encountered some incidents, as police reported multiple occurrences during Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
One such case under scrutiny was a regrettable event reported at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, occurring at a wall on Norzagaray Street.
A 34-year-old male tourist from Pennsylvania was perched on the edge, lost his footing, and tumbled into the grassy area on Lucila Silva Street, located in front of the “Tu Resuelve” establishment in the La Perla neighborhood.
Emergency medical personnel swiftly attended to the injured individual and transported him to the Río Piedras Medical Center, where Dr. Fernando Roura treated him for facial, cranial, and back trauma.
His condition remained unclear at the time of reporting.
Another report came from Lucila Silva Street in the La Perla neighborhood, where the San Juan Municipal Police looked into a robbery incident. A 35-year-old Bayamón resident alleged he was assaulted by several individuals who subsequently stole his Glock pistol.
Meanwhile, a minor assault was examined on San Francisco Street and Cristo Street in Old San Juan, where a Guaynabo resident reported being struck in the right eye.
Additionally, several medical emergencies were reported, including one on Cristo Street, where a Trujillo Alto resident stated that while walking through the area, an object, possibly a stone, fell onto his head.
He did not need to be taken to a hospital.
Earlier, at 8:14 p.m., it was reported that a tourist from Brooklyn had fallen into a manhole at the intersection of Tetuán Street and Fortaleza Street, sustaining a laceration on his right knee and left thigh.
