Cowboys' practice facility collapses

[fyo]

Yikes... Looks like some people got hurt as well.



http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/05/cowboys-indoor-facility-collapses-during.html

The afternoon practice at Valley Ranch in Irving ended in horrifying fashion today as the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility collapsed during a thunderstorm.

As many as six people were hospitalized, one in critical condition, with injuries suffered when the facility's bubble roof caved in, Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez said. None were players, he said.

"They've gone back and combed the area to make sure everyone is accounted for," Gonzalez said, "and so far everyone is accounted for."

A 33-year-old man was impaled by an object and was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas in critical condition, Gonzalez said.

Two people were in serious condition at Parkland, one with a head injury and another who suffered neck and back injuries. Another person was in serious condition at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas with an open leg fracture. The others suffered injuries that were not life threatening.

At least four members of the Cowboys support staff were hospitalized, according to a Cowboys spokesman.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said special teams coach Joe DeCamillis suffered a neck injury and was taken to an area hospital by ambulance.

"He was moving his hands, and he was talking," Phillips said before leaving for the hospital.

Phillips said a couple of players suffered minor injuries.

[read link for full story]

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

ESPN analysist Skip Bayless as just reported he has inside information that T. Owens was directly responsible the the building colapse. 

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Luckily no one was hurt badly enough to be in danger of dying. 

[fyo]

Video of the collapse from the inside:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=13275029&ch=243724&src=sports

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Wow.  Looks like we had some serious injuries.  The special teams coach broke his back, and someone else got impaled with metal. 

Again, luckily there were no fatalities.  I'm praying for those seriously injured to make full recoveries.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sns-ap-fbn-cowboys-canopy-collapse,0,1511046.story?track=rss

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

It wasn't a building it was a tent. 

Didn't these guys ever read any books on building design for wind....such as "the three little pigs"  Bricks and mortor stands up to wind better than building one out of straw. 
 

[fyo]

It wasn't a building it was a tent. 

It's a "bubble" structure, which is why it's referred to as their "practice bubble".

Just like, I might add, the Dolphins' practice bubble... the "Nick Saban Memorial Bubble" (as it's been coined by Salguero at the Herald, IIRC).

A bubble isn't a tent and you are mistaken if you believe that a "bubble" cannot be strong. The Dolphins' bubble is build to withstand up to Cat 3 hurricane force winds.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

A bubble isn't a tent and you are mistaken if you believe that a "bubble" cannot be strong. The Dolphins' bubble is build to withstand up to Cat 3 hurricane force winds.

By law, it has to be designed that way in South Florida.  That much I do know.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

 The Dolphins' bubble is build to withstand up to Cat 3 hurricane force winds.

Yeah, okay sure whatever. 

If there is a huricane outside I am not using the Dolphins practice tent for shelter even if it is only cat 1. I am going somewhere bit more solid. 

[fyo]

If there is a huricane outside I am not using the Dolphins practice tent for shelter even if it is only cat 1. I am going somewhere bit more solid. 

Apparently, if a bubble collapses on your head, you survive. Not sure if that would be the case with brick and mortar.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Just heard on the local news that the assistant coach who suffered a cracked vertebrae is permanently paralyzed from the waist down.  My prayers go out to him and his family. 

[RJINTAMPA]

Pretty sad situation hope everyone involved makes a strong recovery. 

[jtex316]

That assistant coach better get PAID by Jerry Jones + Insurance companies for being paralyzed while helping a shitty team get better. He better be set for life financially.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

That assistant coach better get PAID by Jerry Jones + Insurance companies for being paralyzed while helping a shitty team get better. He better be set for life financially.

Unless Texas as some very pro-employee laws that are more liberal than most of the country (which I really doubt, this is Texas) the only thing he can get from JJ and the cowboys is workmans comp.

He might have a suit against the makers of the tent. 

[Sunstroke]

I'll bet Jerry Jones makes a very public gesture to the paralyzed employee and his family in regards to their financial future.