An annual celebration of pumpkins got out of hand in New Hampshire yesterday, leading to dozens of arrests and injuries.
NECN reports that the madness happened near the campus of Keene State College yesterday afternoon in the wake of the Keene Pumpkin Festival. At least twelve people were arrested and at least 30 more were injured after the huge, intoxicated festival crowd became uncontrollable. According to NECN, most of the injuries were the result of objects like bottles being thrown.
The crowd returned to the festival's location at night, continuing to wreak havoc. Witnesses say police in riot gear were forced to deploy tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowd, which the school says was so large due to the number of festival attendees.
In a statement, Keene State President Anne Huot expressed great disappointment with what transpired:
I am saddened and disheartened at the events surrounding this year's Keene Pumpkin Festival. Despite the concerted efforts of organizers, city officials, police, and Keene State College, there continued to be disruptive behavior at parties in multiple locations around the city, injuries, and property damage.
Furthermore, Huot noted that students who participated in the carnage will be held accountable for their actions.
[via NECN]
