Severe Storm Injures Five at West Virginia University Baseball Game

Five individuals sustained injuries when strong winds lifted a tent during a severe storm at a West Virginia University baseball game on Saturday.

Thousands of fans filled Kendrick Family Ballpark in Granville, but their anticipation for the Mountaineers to secure a spot in Omaha was interrupted by a dangerous storm that hit the area.

During a weather delay, a large tent was swept away by a sudden gust, causing chaos as it flew across a nearby parking lot.

According to reports from West Virginia University Police, those injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.

With the Mountaineers just one win away from their first Men’s College World Series appearance, many fans gathered at Lundy’s Ridge—a grassy area across from the stadium—to watch the game alongside other die-hard WVU baseball supporters.

This popular viewing space, filled with numerous tents and fans, quickly turned chaotic when powerful winds blew through, dislodging tents and scattering spectators in all directions.

First responders quickly arrived on the scene, providing medical assistance to those hurt.

“It was intense. We immediately went into survival mode,” recalled James Saunders, who was at Lundy’s Ridge when the turmoil began.

He described a moment when about ten individuals sought refuge under a small tent as severe weather warnings were issued and stadium officials advised evacuations.

A sudden gust then struck, lifting a large white Mountaineer Athletic Club tent and sending it crashing towards them.

“As we were packing up our chairs, a strong wind lifted the tent and tossed everything into disarray,” he recounted.

Sanders was among a dozen caught under the tent when it fell.

Though the storm caused injuries, first responders moved swiftly to assist those impacted once the weather calmed.

After the delay, play resumed, and the Mountaineers triumphed over the Cal Poly Mustangs with a decisive 17-1 victory, marking their first trip to the Men’s College World Series.

“It was a great day for Mountaineer baseball. Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” stated WVU Athletics in a release.