Amid extreme heat at the Pikes Peak Air Show in Colorado Springs on Saturday afternoon, about 40 to 50 people experienced heat-related illness, three of whom were hospitalized, officials said.
In a social media post around 3:45 p.m., the Colorado Springs Fire Department said several dozen people were taken indoors to cool down while firefighters monitored them. The condition of the three people in hospital could not be confirmed.
Few other details were immediately available, but the number of people needing help required “additional resources,” the fire department said.
The air show took place at the Colorado Springs Airport at 7330 Embraer-Heights and saw performances from the Blue Angels and F-22 Raptor, the EA-18G Growler Airshow Team, historic planes like a B-25J Mitchell and more. Other military and civilian aircraft were on display.
KKTV
The weather forecast for Saturday called for a high of 93 degrees Fahrenheit and minimal cloud cover.
Around 1:45 p.m., the air show reminded people of social media drinking enough water in the heat: “Remember to stay hydrated in this hot weather. There is a FREE water station in the middle of the lot near the medical station.”
The air show is held “under the open sky”, it says on its website. “We strongly recommend bringing hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Plan to be in direct sunlight throughout the event. You may also bring a small personal umbrella, but no large umbrellas, tents or canopies are allowed.”
“You can pre-purchase tickets for the upgraded Canteen Experience, which is the only ticket option that comes with shade,” the site’s “frequently asked questions” section continued.
The air show is scheduled for Sunday.