Terrified spectators were caught on camera fleeing for their lives as a metal roof collapsed onto the stands during a beach tennis event at the Arena Beach Ribeirao in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Local reports claim that the structure covering the central grandstand at the Sand Series Ribeirao Preto gave way during a storm with winds exceeding 60kph (37mph), resulting in nine people being injured.
The local Civil Defence reported that one of the victims was seriously injured and sustained a head injury. The shocking footage shared online shows spectators scrambling to safety as the structure collapses amid the powerful gusts. Firefighters swiftly carried out an organised evacuation following the collapse, preventing any further incidents.
Emergency services attended to the injured on site before transporting them to Unimed Hospital in Ribeirao Preto.
According to the event organisers, seven of the nine injured spectators have been discharged, while a 44-year-old man underwent surgery for his head injury, and a 33-year-old woman required operations on her thigh and will also need surgery on her right shoulder blade.
The Sand Series organisation issued a heartfelt statement wishing those injured a speedy recovery and pledged full support to those affected by the incident.
Officials confirmed that the semi-finals and finals scheduled for Sunday would proceed behind closed doors and that ticket holders for the weekend would receive refunds.
The damaged court will stay shut, with investigations ongoing to establish the cause of the collapse.
City officials have confirmed that all necessary permits and safety authorisations were in place for the event.
