Cricket match still on despite stand collapse

A CRICKET match in Durham will go ahead as planned, just days after a section of stand collapsed, injuring three people.

Three spectators were injured after a hole appeared in the North East Terrace at the Emirates Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street on Saturday.

Fans were watching the T20 cricket match between England and the West Indies when the collapse happened, and spectators had to be evacuated from the terrace as a precaution.

Durham County Cricket Club later confirmed three spectators were injured during the course of the second innings after falling on unstable flooring.

However, Durham’s Specsavers County Championship fixture against Sussex will go ahead today, but the North East Terrace will remain closed during the match.

An investigation has now been launched by Durham County Council and the club.

Stephen Reed, planning development manager, said: “A pre-event operational check, which looked at security, stewarding and the availability of emergency services, was carried out at the Emirates Stadium in the run-up to this fixture.

“We can confirm that we will be investigating, along with other relevant agencies, to understand the cause of the incident and any ramifications for future events.”

Durham County Cricket Club added: “A reminder to all spectators that the game will start at 10.30am.”