Four Hospitalized After Crowds Rush for Cover at Pr. George's Fair

A young girl suffered an asthma attack as she and hundreds of other Prince George’s County fairgoers rushed for cover as severe storms passed through the area, according to a release from the county’s fire department. 

The girl was one of four people transported to an area hospital on Saturday following an evacuation of the county fair in Upper Marlboro. The other patients suffered bruises and muscle sprains. 

Volunteer firefighters were on the scene as fair organizers ordered all 400 to 500 patrons indoors as storms approached, fire officials said. As a dense crowd made its way to for shelter, some panicked as the entrance became congested. Some fair goers fell to the ground as others pushed to exit the outdoor area and go indoors. 

In all, fire and rescue personnel evaluated 12 people with four requiring medical transport to a nearby hospital. All injuries were non-life threatening and all patients are in good condition.

The rescue workers declared the trample a mass casualty incident and several ambulances, paramedics units and one medical ambulance bus were called to the fair grounds. A total of about 25 fire and rescue workers treated patients on the scene. 

A severe thunderstorm watch had been in effect for many areas east of Interstate 95 with National Weather Service predicting damaging wind gusts and the threat of isolated tornadoes. A tornado warning was also issued for east county, including areas like Bowie and Mitchellville.

Thousands in the county are out of power as both Pepco and BGE report widespread outages.

A small craft advisory remains in effect for nearby costal areas.