Over 100 people fall ill at New Jersey graduations in 'mass casualty' incident due to extreme heat
Share and Follow

Two outdoor graduation ceremonies in Paterson, New Jersey, held during a dangerous heatwave ended with more than 100 people receiving treatment and some being taken to the hospital, authorities said.

Paterson Fire Division said it treated about 50 people at Hinchliffe Stadium on Monday during the first high school graduation ceremony. Nine people were transported to the hospital, the fire department said in a statement.

During a second ceremony later that day, about 100 people ended up needing treatment and seven were transported to the hospital, according to the fire department.

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
New York City closes arrival center for migrants in once grand Manhattan hotel

Arrival center for migrants in Manhattan hotel closed by New York City

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City on Tuesday closed the arrival…
Georgetown professor calls on Iran to 'symbolically' bomb US base

Georgetown University professor suggests Iran perform symbolic bombing on US base.

A professor from Georgetown University found himself in hot water after making…
My 15-year-old doesn't want to live with me anymore

My 15-year-old wants to move out from my place

DEAR ABBY: I am a mother of three girls, 25, 21 and…
Search continues for 1 person still missing after 7 killed when boat capsized on Lake Tahoe

1 person still not found after boat capsized on Lake Tahoe resulting in 7 deaths. Search efforts ongoing.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — Divers searched a section of Lake…
Katy Perry sparks concern as singer is struck down with 'random fever'

Katy Perry raises worry after singer falls ill with ‘unexpected fever’

Katy Perry is set to kick-off a four-night run at the Adelaide…
Aaron Rodgers confirms shock NFL retirement stance

Aaron Rodgers affirms unexpected decision to retire from the NFL

Aaron Rodgers has confirmed that he is ready to bow out of…
Netanyahu says Israel has agreed to Trump's proposal for ceasefire with Iran

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu confirms acceptance of Trump’s ceasefire offer with Iran

Israel has accepted President Donald Trump’s suggestion for a truce with Iran.…
Dolphins spotted near swimmers in Newport Beach

Dolphins seen close to people swimming at Newport Beach

Visitors to Balboa Pier in Newport Beach were treated to an unexpected…