In a startling incident that unfolded in suburban Chicago, a tent collapse left at least 26 people injured, with five sustaining serious injuries, according to Bedford Park Police Chief Tom Hansen.
The calamity occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. in the parking lot of a business, details of which are still emerging.
Dozens Injured, Including Five Seriously, in Suburban Chicago Incident
The Bedford Park Fire Department, alongside multiple other fire departments from surrounding areas, rapidly mobilized to respond to the scene, providing emergency medical care and transportation for the injured individuals.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the tent collapse, which has left the community bewildered and concerned.
The incident occurred close to a Cintas Uniform Services store in Bedford Park, a suburban area about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Chicago.
As the news broke, Cintas issued a statement addressing the incident and its impact on their employees.
It was revealed that the accident occurred during an employee appreciation event hosted by the company.
“We are cooperating with local officials to determine the cause of the incident. Cintas will continue to monitor the situation and do everything we can to assist our employee-partners during this time,” the statement read.
Photographs from the scene depict a large tent that partially collapsed, its structure juxtaposed against tables set up with chairs.
The images paint a vivid picture of the chaotic scene that unfolded during what was meant to be a celebratory event.
As the investigation continues, the community and the affected individuals await further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the tent collapse and the condition of those injured.
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Late-Night Fire Engine Crash Leaves Five Firefighters Injured
Meanwhile, A fire engine slammed into a home late on Monday night, leaving five firefighters injured and two others unable to go back to their Auburn Gresham homes.
According to police, a fire truck crashed into the side of a house close to 77th and Damen at 10 p.m.
When the firefighters lost control of the fire engine, they were attending to a fire at a separate area.
Although no one inside the house was hurt, the collision seriously damaged it and left a sizable hole in the wall where the truck struck the house.
Five firefighters were reportedly brought to the hospital as a precaution, but no major injuries were reported.
Before beginning to board up the house on Tuesday afternoon, the crews had to wait for the gas service to be turned off at the residence.
Since first responders are still on the site, we can see the two persons who were displaced inside the house with their luggage packed.
Even though cleanup work went well into the afternoon on Tuesday, it will be some time before the inhabitants are able to return.
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