'Mass casualty event' declared at popular festival after severe water shortage

'Mass casualty event' declared at popular festival after severe water shortage A total of 72 people came down with heat-related illness at the event on Saturday, with eight people suffering from critical heat illnesses simultaneously which required extra emergency services to be called in A mass casualty event has been declared following a popular music festival held in the peak summer heat, with attendees dropping like flies as Saturday's sweltering sun of 36C got the better of them. The Colorado Springs Fire Department in the US had no choice but to declare a mass casualty event at the city's Tacos and Tequila Festival, following an eye-watering 72 people that reported to first responders at the event with heat-related illness on Saturday (August 8). Seven were taken to the hospital. The event, headlined by rapper TI, is a throwback hip-hop and R&B festival with multiple stops across the country. As well as live music, it also platforms creations from local taco spots and comfort food vendors; hence the name. But, as the whole thing was hosted outside in a heatwave, extremely high temperatures ultimately had disastrous consequences for some at the festival. At one point, firefighters said that eight people were suffering from critical levels of heat illness, with extra resources called in as first responders were overwhelmed by number of people needing medical attention. Attendees of Tacos and Tequila Festival took to social media to slam the conditions at the venue, with many saying there were not enough bathrooms, shaded areas, or access to water. Some even claimed that the water fountains at the park were intentionally shut off. One user claimed on social media: "The venue wouldn’t let anyone in with water, they cut the water off AND ran out of water to sell by 4pm! They went to Costco and bought pallets of Kirkland water and rationed them out to people for $4 a bottle. It was so messed up. I stood in line for an hour just to get water and almost passed out myself. People were dropping like flies. The artists didn’t say anything." A second added: "Well don’t turn off the water if you don’t want people passing out." A third chipped in with: "Everyone thinks it was alcohol but that festival did not set up for people in that heat . No water fountains , water out of the one women’s bathroom had hot water in the facets only . Sold out of water wouldn’t give out cups of ice unless you bought alcohol. Wouldn’t let you bring in water. No water refilling stations . The lack of water for people was terrible." In a statement, the event management company, Social House Entertainment, refuted claims made by both attendees and first responders. Social House Entertainment vice president Michelle Sanders said: “The health and safety of our guests is always a top priority. Given the extreme heat in Colorado Springs this weekend, our team took the conditions very seriously... water was widely available throughout the festival, including for purchase at all 20 food vendors, bars and concession locations. "Guests had access to the venue’s concourse for substantial shade coverage." She also added: "We’re looking closely at what more we can do to reinforce responsible hydration and alcohol consumption, particularly when an outdoor event coincides with extreme heat.”