Food Poisoning Sickens 2 Dozen Coachella Music Fest Shuttle Drivers

INDIO, CA — Food poisoning sent at least two dozen shuttle drivers for the Coachella Music & Arts Festival to hospitals Monday.

Shortly after midnight, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department received several reports about sub-contracted shuttle drivers feeling ill after eating food from a caterer unaffiliated with the festival.

Shuttle drivers reported feeling nauseous and vomiting. Paramedics and ambulances transported shuttle drivers to hospitals throughout the Coachella Valley.

Those who took ill are now reported to be in stable condition.

The fire department entered a Unified Command with the Indio Police Department and Goldenvoice Productions to mitigate the incident.

"Our public safety agencies and event organizers constantly train for incidents like this so we are prepared to respond to triage and treat patients and transport as soon as possible," said Division Chief Bryan White, who acted as the incident commander.

No festival attendees reported food poisoning, according to White.