New Britain officials say ten people were taken to the hospital and eight others were treated at the scene after they were overcome by the heat during New Britain High School’s graduation exercises Wednesday afternoon.

New Britain E-M-S Captain Dave Koscuk says dozens more people were given ice packs and water.

Koscuk said people in the audience passed out, or felt dizzy or weak.

Ceremonies for about 450 graduates were  held outdoors at Veterans Stadium at Willowbrook Park, under the broiling midday sun.

“There is no other way to say it, it was really hot.  I was boiling under this, sweating” graduate Alex Rivera said, gestureing to his cap and gown.  “People looked like they were in pools, when they got up, out of those puddles of sweat everywhere.”

Commencement exercises continued to their conclusion.