1890 Atherstone Grand Stand Collapses

LONDON. An accident occurred at ATHERSTONE, WARWICKSHIRE, yesterday, injuring a large number of people, but providentially killing none. An immense grand stand had been erected from which to view the military tournament in progress at that place, and at the time of the accident it was occupied by people, while more were packed on either side.

Suddenly a crash was heard and a section of the stand fell to the ground, carrying with it over spectators. It was fortunate that the fall was not very great, as many people might have been killed, but as it was, a large number were injured, some of them seriously.

When the crash came the immense gathering became panic stricken and trampled upon the prostrate(ed. ?) ones in their frantic efforts to escape from danger, the extent of which they were not aware. Several cool headed men were successful in allaying the fears of the fleeing ones and turned many of them back to render assistance to the injured. Dr. Parke, the surgeon of Stanley’s expedition was present, and he, with several local physicians, dressed the wounds of the injured.

The Newark Daily Advocate. Tuesday, August 05, 1890