Over 100 people fall ill at New Jersey graduations in 'mass casualty' incident due to extreme heat
Share this @internewscast.com

In Paterson, New Jersey, two outdoor graduation ceremonies held amid a dangerous heatwave resulted in over 100 individuals requiring treatment, with some being transported to the hospital, as reported by the authorities.

According to the Paterson Fire Division, approximately 50 people received treatment at Hinchliffe Stadium on Monday during the first high school graduation ceremony. The fire department’s statement indicated that nine individuals were taken to the hospital.

Later that day, during a second ceremony, around 100 individuals required treatment, and seven were taken to the hospital, the fire department reported.

Temperatures climbed into the upper 90s on Monday, and the heat index hit 107 degrees, according to The Weather Channel.

Graduates from several high schools were scheduled to walk the stage at ceremonies held at the stadium. According to News 12 New Jersey, only students from Eastside High School heard their names called after the other ceremonies were canceled.

An administrator hands out water bottles to graduates during the Paterson Public Schools graduation at Hinchliffe Stadium, on Jun 23, 2025, in Paterson, N.J.
An administrator hands out water bottles to graduates Monday in Paterson, N.J. Yannick Peterhans / USA Today Network

Paterson Public Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

One student from Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts told News 12 New Jersey that administrators were giving students water, “but it wasn’t enough.”

“It was exhausting. I couldn’t breathe,” Ciarra Bailey said.

On Monday evening, Mayor André Sayegh declared a state of emergency due to the high heat and canceled all recreational activities. Public libraries were opened as cooling centers.

Scorching temperatures are impacting much of the eastern half of the U.S., with nearly 150 million people under heat alerts from Maine to eastern Texas.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

US Tariffs on European Goods Could Disrupt Major Global Trade Partnership

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) America’s largest trade partner, the European Union, is among…

Central Texas Flash Floods Claim 78 Lives; 10 Campers Still Unaccounted For

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — On Sunday, families began the arduous task of…

Kristi Noem Discusses Texas Storm Warning Alerts and Related Concerns

Flooding has led to an annual average of over 125 fatalities in…

National Weather Service Stands by Flood Warnings Amid New Criticism Over Trump-Era Staff Reductions

Fatal floods in Texas have left thousands desperately seeking safety with minimal…

Sheldon Resident Detained for Possession of Over 1,000 LSD Doses and Four Additional Drugs in Livingston County

A man from Sheldon was apprehended in Chatsworth by Livingston County officials…

“Texas Woman Shares Harrowing Tale of Surviving for Days in Tree After Flood Rescue”

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) A Texas woman says she and her family, after…

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Group: The ‘America Party’

(The Hill) Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Saturday he has officially formed…

Dementia Friendly Day to be Held at Decatur’s Scovill Zoo

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Scovill Zoo is inviting people living with…

Volunteers Participate in Post-Fourth of July Beach Cleanup at Treasure Island

On Saturday, volunteers came together at Treasure Island Beach to tidy up…

Boko Haram Attack in Northeastern Nigeria Leaves 9 Dead and 4 Injured, Officials Report

ABUJA – Islamic extremists killed nine people and injured four in Borno…

Augusta Canal Reopens for Kayaking Just in Time for the Holiday Weekend

AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Augusta Canal is back open just in…

Texas Flood Disaster: Nearly 70 Fatalities, 11 Girls Still Missing from Camp

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — The number of fatalities caused by flash floods…