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They Gathered to See 'Big Boy,' Were Felled by the Heat
Newser • • nation
Key Points:
- Over 100 people experienced heat-related illnesses at a Pennsylvania event featuring "Big Boy," the world's largest steam-powered locomotive, leading to a mass-casualty incident declaration in Berks County.
- Temperatures reached approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and the train's arrival was delayed by over an hour, exacerbating the heat exposure for attendees.
- Emergency services responded around 1:30 pm, transporting 45 individuals to hospitals; most affected were children and older adults, with one person revived from cardiac arrest on-site.
- Muhlenberg Police Chief Randall Hoover warned residents to prepare for ongoing extreme heat during upcoming Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing the importance of hydration.
- Health officials remind the public that heat-related illnesses range from mild symptoms like heat rash to severe conditions such as heat stroke.
