London Police have re-opened a section of Richmond Street as Fake Homecoming celebrations slowly wind down on Broughdale Avenue.
Richmond Street was closed between Epworth Avenue and Huron Street as police tried to control the scene of thousands of students packing the street for the now notorious booze-fueled party.
Constable Sandasha Bough said the road was closed to ensure public safety and residents were asked to avoid Western University and surrounding areas.
Bough said a large crowd gathered on Broughdale Avenue, and at its peak, the crowd was around same size as the one in 2018, which saw 20,000 people in attendance. As of 5 p.m. on Saturday, the crowds have mostly died down and many students have now left the once packed street.
"They have cleared out quite a bit, there are still some individuals on Broughdale and the surrounding streets. We did re-open Richmond Street," she said.
Bough also confirmed that a number of students were taken to hospital and that there were no major incidents reported.
"The last update we had 19 transported to the hospital and 50 were seen by EMS," she said.
She said emergency services were vital in ensuring the safety of students on the streets.
"We did have a number of paramedic services as well as fire that were standing near by," she said. "We need to make sure that those in attendance are aware that if we need to get police fire or ambulance on to Broughdale [Avenue] that we are ensured that we are able to get in there and to clear the roadway," she said.
In 2018, a total of 57 people were sent to the hospital. Despite heightened efforts to try and make 2019 a safer year for FoCo, Bough said there have already been a number of people participating in dangerous actions including jumping onto and jumping off roofs.
"We can't get into details about how people are behaving but we can say we've had a number of instances where people have been on the roof," she explained. "We've issued a public nuisance bylaw ticket with respect to that as well as other tickets have been issued. "
Police have not confirmed exactly how many students have received tickets.
Despite a hectic scene, Bough said first responders have been working closely and communicating with the City of London and Western University officials.
"We do have a collaborative effort task force, with the City of London, London Fire, pracademic services as well as Western University," she said. "We're communicating with each other in respect to what is taking place here. But we do have a number of people who are on Broughdale Avenue at this time."
Bough said police and emergency responders will stay on the scene as long as necessary. Blackburn News will provide any updates as they become available.
-With files from Miranda Chant and Rene Dunkley
