Summary Over 100 spectators treated for heat-related illness at Pikes Peak Air Show in Colorado Springs, with 10 hospitalized. Quick response from emergency officials prevented further illness at the event, working closely with organizers. Event sold out with various aircraft on display, including performances by the Blue Angels and other flight displays.
On Saturday, August 17th, over 100 people were treated for heat-related illness at the Pikes Peak Air Show, which took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Of the 100 spectators who were treated, approximately 10 passengers were hospitalized. The local National Weather Service had previously warned the area of extremely hot and dry weather during the air show , which contributed to the spectators' illnesses.
Heat-related illness A quick interview with Blue Angels #6 about how the Blue Angel solos pull off their magic. At approximately 15:45 local time on Saturday, the Colorado Springs Public Information Office (PIO) released a statement on Twitter regarding the Pikes Peak Air Show. This statement read, "The Colorado Springs Fire Department is actively responding to a situation at the Pikes Peak Airshow where more than 40–50 people are experiencing heat-related illness.
3 people have been transported to local hospitals at this time while others are being moved indoors to cool down and are being monitored by fire personnel. Our operations team is working closely with the fire department and taking all necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety. The large number of people needing assistance has required additional resources to ensure everyone receives the necessary care.
" As the day continued, many more spectators required treatment for additional sickness, which eventually left ten people hospitalized and over 100 in need of treatment. The event was sold out several days in advance, as aviation enthusiasts from around the area planned to see several different performances. The local National Weather Service, which is located in nearby Pueblo, Colorado , previously issued a heat advisory warning.
This warning predicted temperatures between 93 and 100 degrees on Saturday. It also stated that the heat advisory would reactivate on Sunday, August 18, lasting between 12:00 and 19:00 local time. The Fire Chief of the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Randy Royal, mentioned that the quick response from emergency officials at the event prevented further illness.
Royal stated that the local fire department had a plan in place to ensure no further injuries occurred, which was working in accordance with the airport and event organizers. Royal also reminded attendees to stay hydrated and ensure spectators attempted to stay cool. The Pikes Peak Air Show also reminded attendees of a free water station located in the center of the air show.
About the Pikes Peak Air Show The Colorado Springs, Colorado-based air show is an annual regional air show. This year, the event took place from August 17 to August 18 and is based at the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) . Each year, the air show has a wide variety of performers, as well as various exhibitors and static displays for attendees to view.
Many aircraft were on display this year, including several Cessna aircraft, like the Cessna C-172, Cessna 177, and the Cessna 182. Additionally, several other aircraft were displayed, such as the Boeing AH-64 Apache, the Lockheed C-130, the CJ6 Dragon Lady, and the V-22 Osprey. Some of the air show invents included a flight show from the legendary Blue Angels.
Other flight displays include flights from an F-22 Raptor, Fat Albert, a TBM Avenger, a P-38 Lightning, and an F7F Tigercat, among others..
