READING, Pa. (WHTM) – A “mass casualty incident” was declared at the Berks County stop for the Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive‘s nationwide tour.
The Muhlenberg Township Police Department says thousands of spectators waited in 106-degree weather for the train at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station in Reading on Thursday.
Beginning shortly before the train’s arrival and throughout the event, more than 100 individuals received medical treatment on scene, and 35 people were taken to the hospital for evaluation and care for heat-related illnesses.
One person suffered cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated prior to being transported.
The mass casualty incident declaration was made to facilitate the deployment of other emergency resources.
“The coordinated response by local, county, and regional public safety partners demonstrated the effectiveness of mutual aid cooperation and the commitment of emergency responders to protecting the public during a large-scale emergency incident,” Muhlenberg Township Police Chief Randall Hoover said in a statement Thursday evening.
An incident review process is being conducted, according to Hoover.
The Centers for Disease Control says heat-related illnesses may include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, heat rash, heat syncope, and rhabdomyolysis. During the heat wave, residents are being encouraged to make a plan to stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.
The highly anticipated nationwide whistle-stop tour is making its way to Philadelphia for a free two-day viewing event during the July 4 weekend.
After departing Philadelphia on July 6, the train will travel through King of Prussia and stop at the Lebanon train station on N. 8th Street on July 7.
On July 8, the journey continues into Enola with a 9 a.m. private departure toward the Roundhouse Road crossing in Lewistown. Scheduled to arrive at 12:45 p.m., the train will head to the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, where it will remain for several days.
On July 11, the locomotive heads to Cresson Railroad Park with another stop in Leetsdale, Allegheny County. The final stop of the Pennsylvania tour will be on July 12 with a departure from Conway, Beaver County.
From there, there’ll be stops in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming, where the journey began in Cheyenne.
You can track the trip live on Union Pacific’s website.
Those planning to visit the train are being reminded by Union Pacific to stay at least 25 feet from all tracks and not trespass on private property.