UAE | Traffic and Transport
9 injured as paraglider crashes into stadium
The powered paraglider was one of two performing stunts over the stadium
- By Iman Sherif, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 February 10, 2012
Al Ain: Nine spectators sustained minor to moderate injuries when a glider crashed into a stadium minutes before a football match started at the Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Stadium in Al Ain on Wednesday, police announced yesterday.
The powered paraglider was one of two performing stunts over the stadium. Police did not reveal the identity of the pilot.
Police said the glider got entangled in ropes holding down one of several large hot-air balloons in the area. "The pilot lost control and crashed on the stadium seats of the Eastern section," a police spokesman said.
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The scheduled start of the game between Al Ain and Wahda clubs at 7 pm on Wednesday was only minutes away when the crash occurred with some 10,000 fans inside the stadium.
"The police special forces immediately evacuated the stadium to prevent chaos, and restored peace and order within 15 minutes," said Hamad Al Amimi, director of Al Ain police.
All the injured were fans of Al Ain club. One was treated on the scene and eight were taken to Al Ain hospital for medical care. Six of them were later released from hospital. The pilot and one other person are still in hospital but both are reported to be in stable condition.
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