A severe storm hit the Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival in Mollis, Switzerland, on Thursday, causing significant damage to the grandstand’s roof. Strong gusts of wind tore away approximately half of one of the six grandstand sections. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The organizers of the festival, Esaf, were prepared for such weather events and had already begun dismantling the roof as part of the post-festival cleanup.
The arena was designed and built by Nüssli, a Thurgau-based stage and scaffolding company with international experience. In a joint statement, Nüssli and Esaf explained that their safety concept was immediately put into effect when the storm front was forecasted. Work in the affected area was stopped, and the area was cleared before the storm hit. This prompt action ensured that no one was harmed during the incident.
The Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival, also known as Esaf, came to a close last Sunday, attracting around half a million spectators. The event was a huge success, and the organizers were in the process of dismantling the arena when the storm struck. Despite the damage to the roof, the incident could have been much worse if not for the quick thinking and preparation of the organizers.
Esaf spokeswoman Tina Wintle assured that the organizers were prepared for such weather events, and their safety concept worked effectively. The incident highlights the importance of having a robust safety plan in place, especially when dealing with large outdoor events. The quick response of the organizers and the implementation of their safety concept ensured that no one was injured, and the damage was limited to the grandstand’s roof.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather events, especially when it comes to large outdoor gatherings. The organizers of the Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival demonstrated their ability to respond effectively to a potentially hazardous situation, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.