Durham probe stand incident after spectator breaks leg

woman was left with a broken leg after a section of the stand gave way during England’s Twenty20 International defeat by the West Indies at Chester-le-street on Saturday.

Three spectators reported injuries when flooring in the North-east Terrace of the Emirates Riverside became unstable, leading to around 200 fans being evacuated to other areas of the ground.

The woman was taken by ambulance to Newcastle’s RVI Hospital, where she was admitted and kept overnight.

A spokesman for the hospital confirmed the individual was still being treated yesterday morning for “non lifethreatening injuries”, later confirmed as a broken leg.

Durham, meanwhile, have stressed it was not an area of temporary seats, which are installed to increase capacity for international matches, and that it was in compliance with a recent safety check.

A club statement read: “During the course of the second innings between England v West Indies at Emirates Riverside, three spectators were injured when a small section of the North-east Terrace flooring became unstable causing them to fall. Stewards took precautionary action and evacuated that area of the stand efficiently. The stand is a permanent fixture at the venue and had passed inspections in the week prior to the match.

“At this early stage, it appears that part of the flooring failed.

“Durham County Cricket Club is currently undertaking its own full and thorough investigation into this incident and will cooperate fully with any investigation by any third party.”