Beach Tennis Stand Cover Collapses in Ribeirão Preto, Injuring Fans as Police Open Probe

Overview

• Strong winds toppled the temporary metal tent over the central and VIP stands at the Sand Series event in Bonfim Paulista, Ribeirão Preto, with gusts measured at about 65 km/h at Leite Lopes Airport.
• Authorities reported eight injured with one serious head trauma, while organizers cited nine victims, and firefighters with SAMU evacuated the venue and transported the wounded.
• Most patients were discharged from Hospital Unimed, and a 33-year-old woman remains hospitalized after leg surgery with a planned shoulder procedure and no risk of death.
• Civil police opened an investigation, requested permits and documentation from the city and fire department, and will hear the arena’s responsible party, tournament organizer Anderson Rubinato, and cover installer Alexandre Pimenta.
• The tournament restarted on Sunday with gates closed, the central court taken out of use, and ticket refunds available via Eventim or in person as directed by the organizers.