Over 100 Treated for Heat Illness as Union Pacific Big Boy Train Delays Crowd in Pennsylvania
More than 100 people received medical care, including about 45 hospitalizations, after a delayed Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive caused crowds to wait in extreme heat in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
More than 100 individuals required medical assistance while waiting for Union Pacific's historic Big Boy steam locomotive to arrive at Reading Outer Station in Muhlenberg Township, officials said. The train arrived roughly an hour later than scheduled, extending exposure to high temperatures for the assembled crowd.
Emergency medical services from four surrounding counties responded, treating the patients on site and transporting about 45 to hospitals. Anthony Tucci, chief executive of Western Berks Ambulance, said EMS crews handled over 100 cases. Local fire departments, the Muhlenberg Township police, and Tower Health provided additional support, including a cooling bus, while Pennsylvania State Police assisted with traffic control and aerial surveillance.
"There were at least 10 local fire departments that responded to help," said Sgt. Andy Swoyer of the Muhlenberg Township Police Department.
"Because of the extreme heat, it was countless medical-related injuries. Some were transported to local hospitals," Swoyer added.
Witnesses described the crowd waiting for hours in limited shade before the locomotive finally passed around 2:30 p.m., prompting enthusiastic reactions from attendees.
The Big Boy locomotive is scheduled to continue to Philadelphia as part of celebrations for the United States' 250th anniversary.
