Friday, May 27, 2011

Five injured when strong winds topple circus tent


Friday, May 27, 2011

By Paula Reed Ward,

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteFive

people were injured, including one seriously, when a circus tent collapsed during a severe storm in Westmoreland County Thursday afternoon.
The Lewis and Clark Circus was set up for two fundraising shows for the Seward Volunteer Fire Company when a strong wind gust ripped down the red-and-yellow big top, said fire Chief Travis Lovejoy.
Three people were taken to area hospitals by ambulance, while two others went by private vehicles. Mr. Lovejoy said one of the people injured had a head injury and was in intensive care late Thursday night.
Westmoreland County and areas east of Pittsburgh were hit hardest by severe storms that swept through the region late in the afternoon.
One of the hardest-hit communities was Derry, Westmoreland County, said forecaster John Darnley, of the National Weather Service.
Northern West Virginia received a lot of hail, ranging in size from 1/4- to 3/4-inch, and some homes were damaged in Westover, W.Va., according to the Weather Service.
The severe weather has moved past the area, and the only precipitation left should be scattered showers this evening, Mr. Darnley said.
The holiday weekend is expected to be sunny and warm, with highs on Sunday of 88 degrees and Monday, 91.
Anyone who purchased tickets for the Lewis and Clark Circus and missed the two shows that were cancelled today can contact the fire station for a refund at 814-446-5428.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11147/1149549-100.stm#ixzz1NXmjApQ1

No comments:

Post a Comment