Two young men assaulted at Þjóðhátíð festival in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

At the Þjóðhátíð festival in Vestmannaeyjar, two young men sought medical assistance after experiencing unprovoked assaults. According to the director of the South Iceland Health Care Institution, the medical staff in the festival’s health station responded appropriately to the situation. The director, Díana Óskarsdóttir, stated that actions taken were in line with standard procedures but could not comment on specific incidents.

The parents of the assaulted young men expressed dissatisfaction with the response from authorities, claiming that their sons were not adequately assisted. The injuries sustained by the men were reportedly severe, with one requiring 38 stitches to his face, while the other suffered a fractured forehead and a concussion. The parents criticized the lack of documentation in the police log and noted that their sons were not transported to a hospital for further care.

Díana Óskarsdóttir acknowledged that while the healthcare staff acted correctly, there could be discussions about how to improve follow-up care. She clarified that when adults experience violence, they are encouraged to contact the police themselves, rather than the healthcare staff reaching out on their behalf.

This incident has raised concerns regarding safety and the efficiency of emergency responses at public events, highlighting the need for better coordination between healthcare personnel and law enforcement.