A mass casualty incident was declared Thursday at a Pennsylvania stop on Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 nationwide tour after extreme heat caused medical emergencies among spectators.
Thousands of people gathered in 106-degree weather at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station in Reading, Pennsylvania, to see the historic locomotive. As the crowd waited for the train, more than 100 people required medical attention.
Thousands Gathered in Dangerous Heat
According to the Muhlenberg Township Police Department, large crowds waited for the arrival of Big Boy No. 4014 at the Berks County stop.
The extreme temperature created dangerous conditions for spectators, especially those standing outside for long periods.
Police said medical issues began shortly before the train arrived and continued throughout the event.
More Than 100 People Treated at the Scene
Emergency crews treated more than 100 individuals on site for heat-related conditions.
In addition, 35 people were transported to hospitals for further evaluation and care.
Authorities said the illnesses were linked to the extreme heat at the event.
One Person Suffered Cardiac Arrest
Police confirmed that one person suffered cardiac arrest during the incident.
Emergency responders successfully resuscitated the individual before transporting them for medical treatment.
The case highlighted the seriousness of the conditions faced by spectators during the event.
Why a Mass Casualty Incident Was Declared
Officials declared a mass casualty incident to help bring in additional emergency resources.
Such a declaration allows emergency services to coordinate more quickly and efficiently when many people need medical attention at the same time.
Muhlenberg Township Police Chief Randall Hoover said the response showed the value of cooperation among local, county and regional public safety agencies.
Emergency Response Praised
Chief Hoover said the coordinated response demonstrated how mutual aid partnerships help protect the public during large-scale emergencies.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies worked together to provide medical care, manage the scene and transport patients to hospitals when needed.
Hoover also said an incident review process is now underway.
Heat-Related Illnesses Can Become Serious
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says heat-related illnesses can include:
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
- Heat cramps
- Heat rash
- Heat syncope
- Rhabdomyolysis
During heat waves, residents and eventgoers are encouraged to stay hydrated, seek shade, limit prolonged sun exposure and make a plan to stay cool throughout the day.
Big Boy No. 4014 Tour Continues
Despite the emergency in Pennsylvania, Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 tour is expected to continue.
After several more days in Pennsylvania, the historic locomotive’s whistle-stop tour will move through several states, including:
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Colorado
- Wyoming
The journey originally began in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Union Pacific Issues Safety Reminder
Union Pacific is reminding people planning to see the locomotive to stay at least 25 feet away from all tracks.
Spectators are also being warned not to trespass on private property while viewing the train.
The safety reminders come as large crowds continue to follow the locomotive’s national tour.
The Pennsylvania stop of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 tour turned into a major emergency after thousands of spectators waited in extreme 106-degree heat. More than 100 people were treated at the scene, 35 were taken to hospitals, and one person was resuscitated after suffering cardiac arrest.
Officials declared a mass casualty incident to bring in additional emergency resources and coordinate the response. As the historic locomotive continues its nationwide tour, visitors are being urged to prepare for heat, stay hydrated and follow rail safety rules.