GRANVILLE, W.Va. — A severe thunderstorm that swept through Monongalia County on Saturday afternoon turned a festive NCAA Super Regional gathering into a scene of chaos, as a canopy collapse at Kendrick Family Ballpark left multiple people injured and triggered a “mass casualty event” declaration by local emergency services.
MECCA 911 confirmed that several individuals were transported to area hospitals following the incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. just as the game between West Virginia University and Cal Poly was already under a lightning delay. The official designation of a “mass casualty incident” — a term used to alert hospitals and first responders to a surge of patients — underscores the severity of the situation.
According to a Nexstar employee who was on-site, the canopy was situated atop a popular hillside known as “Randy’s Ridge,” which had drawn thousands of fans over the past week as a free vantage point for postseason baseball. Witnesses reported seeing at least three ambulances at the scene in the immediate aftermath.
The game, part of the Morgantown NCAA Baseball Super Regional, had been paused since just after 3 p.m. due to lightning in the area. WVU Baseball indicated the contest was expected to resume later, but the incident cast a pall over the proceedings.
Authorities have not released specific details on the number or condition of those injured, and officials at MECCA 911 encouraged follow-up inquiries later. The cause of the collapse appears to be a sudden gust of wind associated with the severe thunderstorm warning that was in effect for the county at the time.
The incident highlights the risks of large outdoor gatherings during volatile weather, especially when temporary structures are involved. It also comes as a reminder of the broader challenges facing rural emergency response systems — a topic that has drawn scrutiny in recent federal studies. A recent HHS study found that policy failures, not patient demand, are driving rural hospital closures, which could affect how quickly and effectively resources are mobilized in such events.
The hillside at Kendrick Family Ballpark has become a local tradition during WVU’s postseason runs, offering fans a free, communal experience. But Saturday’s events have raised questions about safety protocols for such informal viewing areas.
This is a developing story. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from emergency officials and the university.
