Horrific scenes in Netherlands as metal scaffolding collapses over fans, leaving 10 injured
The before (L) and after (R) pictures show the scaffolding collapsing on the fans sitting underneath
At least 10 people were left injured after a metal scaffolding with a banner collapsed over fans, gathered to watch a friendly match betweenEredivisie team FC Twente andamateur side Stevo at De Peuverweide sports park in Geesteren, in the east of the Netherlands on Saturday (Jun 22).
The giant scaffolding, hoisted up in the air behind one of the goalposts using a crane, collapsed when fans were welcoming the players on the pitch whilesinging 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. FC Twente is one of the many clubs that singthe iconic anthem before a football match,
A video of the incident posted on X (formerly Twitter) showedthat fans in the stands could not anticipate the scaffolding collapsing due to the heavy pyrotechnics smoke.
As soon as the heavy metal object fell down, the officials, players and fans could be seen running towards the stand tohelp those injured.
Five ambulances arrived at the park inGeesteren while a trauma helicopter was also called in as a precaution.Dutch media reports stated that 10 people had been injured and two were in a serious but not life-threatening condition in the hospital. Police initially cordoned off the area, before announcing it safe. The officials are now investigating the sudden collapse.
Club issues statement
"What should have been a festive football afternoon in Geesteren was unfortunately marred by an accident on Saturday. When the players of Stevo and FC Twente arrived, the banner with the scaffolding fell over supporters standing behind one of the goals," theEredivisie club said.
"We are in close contact with the supporters who organised the atmospheric campaign, with Stevo and the authorities. Together we look at how this could have happened. For now, full attention is focused on the supporters who were injured and others directly involved,"it added.
June-July is the off-season in the Netherlands for club football. FC Twente play their first Eredivisie match of the season on August 10 againstNEC Nijmegen.
(With inputs from agencies)