Muhlenberg Township Police Department ·
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Mass Casualty Incident Declared During Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 Event
Muhlenberg Township, PA — July 2, 2026
On July 2, 2026, the Muhlenberg Township Police Department, in partnership with the Muhlenberg Ambulance Association and Muhlenberg Fire Company, provided public safety and emergency medical coverage for the scheduled arrival of Union Pacific Railroad’s historic steam locomotive, Big Boy #4014, at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station, located at 3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, Pennsylvania.
The event drew an estimated crowd of several thousand spectators in addition to more than 900 passengers arriving aboard excursion railcars. Due to operational delays along the locomotive’s route, the anticipated arrival was postponed for more than one hour. During this period, outdoor temperatures reached approximately 106 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for attendees who had gathered at the site.
Beginning shortly before the Big Boy steam engine’s arrival and continuing throughout the event, emergency responders treated a significant number of individuals suffering from heat-related illnesses and medical emergencies. Patients ranged in age from infants to elderly adults. As the number of medical incidents rapidly increased, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared to facilitate the deployment of additional emergency resources.
More than 100 individuals received medical treatment on scene, and 35 patients were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation and care. One patient suffered cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated prior to transport.
The Muhlenberg Township Police Department was assisted by the Berks County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Police, Berks County Department of Emergency Services, numerous fire departments, and EMS agencies from throughout Berks County and neighboring counties. Additional support was provided by Tower Health and BARTA through the deployment of cooling resources to assist affected individuals.
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.
The Muhlenberg Township Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to every law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS provider, healthcare partner, business, organization, volunteer, and supporting agency that responded to or assisted during this event. Their professionalism, dedication, and willingness to work together played a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in attendance.
Additional information will be released if warranted as the incident review process continues.
Randall C. Hoover
Chief of Police
Muhlenberg Township Police Department
This is nuts.
Hope all have recovered.