Extreme heat at Colorado airshow sickens about 100 people with 10 hospitalized, officials say

Extreme heat at an air show in Colorado sent about 100 people to emergency rooms and 10 people to area hospitals on Saturday, officials said.

Most of the patients were treated by emergency personnel on site at the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said in a statement on social media.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal said the “quick actions” of organizers and emergency responders prevented serious injuries at the event, which was held at the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of Denver.

The air show website stated that tickets for both days of the event, Saturday and Sunday, were sold out. The show featured performances by the famous US Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team and demonstrations of various types of modern and classic aircraft.

A post on the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow’s Instagram account advised attendees: “PLEASE remember to stay hydrated during this hot weather. There is a FREE water station in the center of the grounds near the medic station.”

The National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado, issued a heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach 91 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the area Saturday afternoon.

The weather advisory remained in effect for El Paso County and Pueblo County from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, the weather service said.

The fire department warned visitors to the second day of the air show to prepare: bring water bottles, hats, sunscreen and umbrellas.

“Tomorrow will be a warm day and we ask everyone to stay hydrated, be prepared for high temperatures and, above all, stay safe,” Royal said.