Severe Winds at NCAA Baseball Tournament in West Virginia Result in Hospitalization of Five

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — A powerful gust of wind caused chaos during the Morgantown Super Regional NCAA baseball tournament on Saturday, sending five individuals to the hospital for injuries incurred in the mayhem. The incident unfolded as West Virginia faced off against Cal Poly at the Kendrick Family Ballpark.

Footage captured during the storm revealed winds reaching speeds of 40 mph, which uprooted a tent and sent one person flying through the air while another tumbled down a hill. Spectators were seen hurriedly seeking shelter from the dangerous conditions at a location known as Randy's Ridge.

West Virginia fan Keith Hill recounted the experience on WAJR radio: “I was just trying to hold my weight on the pole with the cement block, and then it started sliding, and then another guy joined in, and he’s trying to hold another pole, and then a big gust of wind came. It just started sliding really hard, and people got caught up in the ropes and the poles.”

West Virginia University police confirmed that five fans required medical attention and were transported to a hospital for treatment. This unsettling event occurred during a weather delay in the game.

Michael Fragale, a spokesperson for West Virginia athletics, stated, “We have been in touch with health-care providers in the area to ensure those affected are supported in their recovery.” Despite the disruption, West Virginia triumphed over Cal Poly with a score of 17-1, marking the school’s first advancement to the College World Series in its history.