Bleacher Collapse In Swedish Superettan

By: chris | October 20th, 2008

Sunday is going to remain in the memories of Orgryte fans for a long, long time. Not only did they return to the Swedish Allsvenskan where they’ve won twelve titles – most around the turn of the 19th century – but during the game a steel railing enclosing the spectators gave way, sending forty or so fans to the ground from about two meters high while celebrating the first goal of the 3-0 win over Vasby United. (A goal scored by Marcus Allback. Yes, that Marcus Allback.) All of this taking place at a stadium called Valhalla. Something tells me they could be up for a name change.

The video above shows a nice transition shot of stands with full bleachers one second, missing a large section the other from where the fence gave way (and fans still jumping up and down despite cluster of people before them). And there were some amateur cameramen in the crowd, with one guy taping the scene just after the collapse when those able to walk away had been escorted elsewhere.

As far as injuries go, apparently no serious injuries were sustained and only one person had to go to the hospital to be checked out. Mainly a load of bumps and bruises plus a host of people who will be just fine watching from home for awhile.

The match was delayed for quite some time – over an hour, reportedly – so they could treat the spectators while figuring out where the hell to put everyone who’d just fallen. (I imagine finding a spot won’t be a problem next year when they all have free tickets.) Only delayed the pain and more celebration for Vasby, though, as Allback scored another before Magnus Källander (I think) scored number three to give everyone another reason to celebrate. Luckily, they could with no serious injuries.