A sudden storm swept through Granville on Saturday afternoon, catching attendees of a West Virginia University baseball game off guard as a large tent canopy collapsed over the Kendrick Family Baseball Field. The structure, perched on a hill near the ballpark, was ripped from its supports by high winds, sending debris scattering across the crowd.
Emergency responders from several surrounding counties rushed to the scene, dispatching ambulances and medical teams to tend to those hurt. Witnesses described a chaotic but organized effort to evacuate injured spectators and secure the area.
Reporter on the Scene
A 5 News reporter who was on site said the wind gust lifted the canopy like a sail before it toppled, and one individual attempted to cling to the fabric before being thrown to the ground and sustaining injuries.
Multiple tents that had been set up for the event began to flutter and rise in the gusty conditions, prompting officials to call for additional assistance. Despite the visible chaos, 911 operators were unable to confirm the exact number of injuries or the identities of those transported.
Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the severity of the injuries or the precise cause of the collapse, promising to provide updates as the investigation progresses.