Canopy over Dallas practice field collapses. Several injured.

[Gwedd]

Just saw this on Fox. The inflatable aluminum and cloth canopy over the Dalas Cowboy's practice field collapsed during a severe thunderstorm. There are many ambulances on scene, and at least 4 staffers have been taken to area hospitals. Among the injured is the Dallas Special team's Coach.

The canopy collapsed while the afternoon session of Rookie Mini-camp was underway. It is not known at this time if any players are among the injured.

Images showed players racing from under the collapsing bubble as beams and supports came crashing down.

More information as it becomes available.

 

[Gwedd]

Further updates. As I type this, players, staff members and others are frantically cutting away canvas and trying to move support beams from areas where they believe some people may still be trapped. At least one staff member was seen to "ride in" a tall video tower that collapsed as the roof gave way.

Weather on site at the moment is cooperating, but more severe weather is expected shortly.

Live video feeds on Fox News.

 

[Gwedd]

Notes:

Reports on scene say that strong winds in excess of 60 mph, accompanied by severe rain came on suddenly, just prior to the collapse. No reports of tornadoes. Weather folks are warning that further high winds, with possible rain and hail are over Fort Worth, and approaching the Irving site, and Dallas metropolitan areas.

 

[Gwedd]

Current reports from Media onsite, and Dallas reps state that all players are accounted for, but no word on all staff and media personnel. No life-threatening injuries have been reported as yet, thank goodness.

 

[Gwedd]

Players state that the facility started to buffet and move back and forth as the winds picked up. Suddenly, the entire roof seemed to rise up and then the entire edifice came crashing down. Players, coaches and reporters all scrambled for exits, as well as shelter underneath large media platforms.

This facility is huge, and covers an area larger than a standard playing field. Players, coaches and staff still continue to try and remove debris to search for persons still believed to be trapped under wreckage.

 

[Gwedd]

Reporters on scene, as well as local Irving City Council are saying up to 26 injured, although that is not confirmed. At least one critical, several serious injuries are reported by local hospitals.

 

[holyredeemer]

This is extremely unfortunate. I really hope all persons at the scene of the incident, whether players, coaches or staff are all okay. Any word on whther or not the Hardknocks film crew was present when this event occurred?

 

[Gwedd]

I can't say, however media reports state that there were film crews from both the Dallas Cowboys and other media companies present.
What is amazing about this whole situation is when you understand jus how HUGE this facility is/was, and video shot from inside when this happened shows it just being pounded, shuddering, and slapped around like a kids toy, with players and team personnel running for cover wherever it could be found.

 

[holyredeemer]

That's terribly frightening. It'll be interesting to find out if it was a flaw in the buildings design or if it was poorly put together. But, a building like that shouldn't get torn apart like that. Truly amazing, and again; I hope everyone is alright.

 

[Gwedd]

Coach Wade Phillips commented just now that he was amazed no one was electrocuted what with the amount of water that came into the facility. He stated that several players had minor injuries but would be alright. The special teams coach, whose name I don't have, was taken on a backboard with a neck brace, by ambulance to a nearby hospital. At least 4 others have been taken to hospitals by ambulance, but no hard count is yet available as to the number of injuries.

 

[Gwedd]

That's terribly frightening. It'll be interesting to find out if it was a flaw in the buildings design or if it was poorly put together. But, a building like that shouldn't get torn apart like that. Truly amazing, and again; I hope everyone is alright.

I suspect that there will be a round of rethinking and reexamining the role of inflatable and semi-inflatable structures in light of this incident. It is true that the weather rose up quickly and violently, although it was not a tornado. However, after watching the videos, it brings a whole new level of respect as to what Mother Nature can do when she is so inclined.

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

Coach Wade Phillips commented just now that he was amazed no one was electrocuted what with the amount of water that came into the facility. He stated that several players had minor injuries but would be alright. The special teams coach, whose name I don't have, was taken on a backboard with a neck brace, by ambulance to a nearby hospital. At least 4 others have been taken to hospitals by ambulance, but no hard count is yet available as to the number of injuries.

CNN is saying that 7 is injured, 1 critically.

7 injured, 1 critically, in Dallas Cowboys practice arena collapse - CNN.com

 

[holyredeemer]

Wow. On a side note. You were really quick with the reporting and keeping the story updated. I appreciate it.

 

[Gwedd]

Thanks. It's a slow newsday around here

Seriously, I had just set down and turned on the news about 2 minutes before this hit the airwaves. I figured some folks here might want to hear about it.

 

[Pats726]

Video On Demand: Latest News Video | WFAA.com
Raw video from dallas

 

[DaBruinz]

That's terribly frightening. It'll be interesting to find out if it was a flaw in the buildings design or if it was poorly put together. But, a building like that shouldn't get torn apart like that. Truly amazing, and again; I hope everyone is alright.

A building like that isn't made to withstand the forces from 60 mph winds... The weather system that just came through here brought unexpectedly high winds along with rain, hail and funnel clouds, though no tornadoes touched down to my knowledge.

It collapsed because the building envelope was breached (did you notice the walls pull up off the ground?) and the uplift pressure, combined with the down pressure, was more than the building was ever designed to withstand..

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

ESPN is reporting it has learned from an undisclosed unconfirmed source inside the Cowboys organization that T. Owens was reponsible for the collapse.

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

ESPN is reporting it has learned from an undisclosed unconfirmed source inside the Cowboys organization that T. Owens was reponsible for the collapse.

No wonder why he said Get ya popcorn ready!!

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

That's terribly frightening. It'll be interesting to find out if it was a flaw in the buildings design or if it was poorly put together. But, a building like that shouldn't get torn apart like that. Truly amazing, and again; I hope everyone is alright.

Did you see the pictures of it? It is a tent. A large tent. Not a building. No reason to think it could withstand very stong winds.

 

[efin98]

Microburst leaves 12 people, coach hurt at Dallas Minicamp

The Associated Press: Coach among 12 injured in Cowboys' roof collapse

Scary situation, hope all those injured come out all right...