Horror moment sees fans fleeing from sporting event as metal roof collapses on stand

Sports fans were filmed fleeing in horror as the central grandstand at the Sand Series Ribeirao Preto caved in during a storm with winds of over 60kph

Sports fans were filmed fleeing in horror as a metal roof collapsed onto the stands of a tennis event.

The incident took place at the Arena Beach Ribeirao in the city of Ribeirao Preto, in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, on 18th October.

According to reports, the structure covering the central grandstand at the Sand Series Ribeirao Preto caved in during a storm with winds of over 60kph (37mph), leaving nine people injured. The local Civil Defence said one of the victims was seriously hurt and suffered a head injury.

Footage shared online shows spectators running from the area as the structure gives way and crashes down amid the strong gusts.

Firefighters carried out a coordinated evacuation after the collapse without further incidents.

Emergency services treated the injured at the scene before taking them to Unimed Hospital in Ribeirao Preto.

The event organisers said seven of the nine injured spectators had already been discharged, while a 44-year-old man required surgery on his head, and a 33-year-old woman was operated on her thigh and will also need surgery on her right shoulder blade.

The Sand Series organisation issued a statement wishing a swift recovery to those injured and said it was offering full support to those affected.

Officials confirmed that Sunday’s semifinals and finals would take place behind closed doors and that tickets for the weekend would be refunded.

The damaged court will remain closed, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse.

The city’s authorities said the event had all the required permits and safety authorisations in place.