Multiple people fell unconscious during an event at a Crowley ISD school over the weekend.
Richard Allie Middle School hosted a non-district event inside the school that ran past its scheduled time on Saturday. The air conditioning in the building was scheduled to run through the event time from 7:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. Even though the event was still ongoing, the air conditioning shut off after its scheduled time was over.
Crowley Fire Department reported that first responders made contact with at least five unconscious patients suffering from heat exhaustion or other heat-related injuries at the event.
Crowley ISD officials and Crowley police evacuated everyone from the school as multiple ambulances arrived on the scene. Four were treated in the building and one was taken to a hospital for additional treatment, per Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“We are working with event organizers who rented the school to investigate the incident,” the district said.
Commenters on the Crowley Fire Department’s Facebook page expressed their disappointment in the school district. “I do not understand why there was an event allowed to be had indoors with no A/C !!!! I am glad I do not have school aged children. I would be so enraged,” commented Ruby Prater.
“Wonder who was in charge of this function?! Protect our children,” posted Michaela Gates.
“Crowley ISD are y’all serious with this? Y’all still let the event happen with no A/C?” replied Carol Hearn.
North Texas has seen an increase in first responder calls due to heat-related illnesses as the summer sun continues to blaze.
In August, Dallas County reported its first heat-related death after a 79-year-old woman died of a heat-related illness, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Dallas was among several Texas cities last year to experience record-breaking heat. The metroplex experienced 16 straight days of extreme heat, marking the hottest year-long period recorded in history.