Crowds waiting in 106-degree heat for Union Pacific’s Big Boy locomotive prompted a mass casualty
A mass casualty incident was declared Thursday in Muhlenberg Township, Pennsylvania, after more than 100 people developed heat-related illnesses while waiting to see Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, during a stop on its nationwide tour. Temperatures at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station reached 106 degrees as thousands of spectators gathered, and a delay of more than an hour in the train’s arrival left many standing in direct sun for an extended period.
Local authorities and EMS officials reported that more than 100 people were treated on scene, with sources differing slightly on how many were subsequently taken to area hospitals, with figures ranging from roughly 35 to 45 people. One person went into cardiac arrest during the incident and was successfully resuscitated before being transported for further care.
A coordinated emergency response
Brad Cosgrove, director-in-chief of EMS for Tower Direct, helped coordinate the medical response and said rapid hydration, whether oral or delivered intravenously, made a significant difference for most patients, with many people recovering quickly once treated. He described the scene as chaotic given that neither the extreme heat nor the size of the crowd had been fully anticipated, but noted that responding agencies worked well together under pressure.
The mass casualty declaration allowed officials to bring in additional resources from neighboring counties, including a medical bus and a cooling bus. Muhlenberg Township Police Chief Randall Hoover credited the coordinated response between local, county and regional public safety agencies, and said a formal review of the incident is now underway.
A broader heat wave complicating holiday plans
The incident adds to a growing list of heat-related disruptions as much of the country deals with a dangerous heat wave heading into the July 4th holiday weekend. Elsewhere, extreme heat has already forced the temporary closure of Washington’s Great American State Fair and prompted adjustments to other Independence Day and America 250 events nationwide.
Health officials continue to stress basic precautions during periods of extreme heat, including staying hydrated, seeking shade or air conditioning when possible, watching for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and checking on others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
What comes next for the tour
Following additional stops in Pennsylvania, the Big Boy locomotive’s tour is scheduled to continue through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming, where the journey originally began. Union Pacific is urging those planning to view the train in person to remain at least 25 feet from the tracks and to avoid trespassing on private property along the route.
Source: usatoday.com