Roofing falls from SCG stand as wild weather lashes Sydney
Fans have had to be moved from a section of the SCG after a piece of roofing fell from the Bill O’Reilly Stand ahead of the Sydney Smash. Watch the video.
Fans had to be moved from a section of the SCG after a piece of roofing fell from the Bill O’Reilly Stand ahead of the Sydney Smash.
About 45 minutes before the first ball of the Sixers-Thunder clash on Friday night, a section of what appeared to be cladding underneath the O’Reilly Stand came loose due to the high winds currently hitting Sydney.
Security guards and ground officials immediately took action, moving patrons in the bay below the cladding away from the area and into other seating.
The area closed off holds about 200 seats.
“During tonight’s severe winds and storm, a piece of vinyl soffit sheeting from the O’Reilly Stand became loose and was identified by venue staff,” read a Venues NSW statement.
“Venue staff immediately vacated patrons from the area to ensure their safety.
“After the area was cleared, the piece of vinyl soffit sheeting became detached.
“Two seating bays have been cleared and patrons have been provided seating in another grandstand.
“As per standard processes, pre-event inspections had taken place across the venue before gates opened.
“Further inspections are underway. The safety of our patrons remains our number one priority.”
Winds in Sydney reached speeds in excess of 90km/h on Friday as wild weather delayed the start of the match.
The Thunder batted 5.1 overs but the return of rain delayed the game further, but it only got heavier, forcing it to be abandoned just after 9.30pm local time.
It’s the latest element to halt a Big Bash game with fire disrupting Thursday night’s Heat-Hurricanes clash at the Gabba.
A fire started near the DJ booth during the Hurricanes’ innings, with play halted as a fire extinguisher was used to eventually put the blaze out.
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