Children Hospitalized After Mysterious Symptoms During Choir Performance

A group of eight young children, members of a renowned French youth choir, were taken to the hospital following an incident during a church concert in Massachusetts. The children, aged between 11 and 13, suddenly exhibited seizure-like symptoms while performing at St. Paul’s Church in Cambridge.

According to authorities, one child became unwell after inhaling an unfamiliar smell and struggled to breathe. Soon after, several other children reported similar symptoms. Emergency responders arrived quickly to assist, with images showing fire crews carrying some of the children out of the church.

Emergency personnel conducted a thorough sweep of the building, including a hazardous materials team, but found no unusual odors or hazardous conditions. Fire Chief Thomas Cahill described the situation as unusual and noted that it was initially a routine medical call that escalated rapidly.

“We are currently unsure of what caused this response,” Cahill stated, mentioning that the building had been ventilated promptly. Approximately 70 other attendees did not experience any symptoms and remained unharmed.

The choir, originating from Paris’s Île-de-France region, is currently on a U.S. tour. The group has a long history of performances worldwide, working with distinguished conductors and soloists since its founding in 1970.

The church’s social media page highlighted the choir’s upcoming performance, which features a variety of sacred, secular, and popular French songs, showcasing their extensive repertoire.