At least twelve Dallas Cowboy support staff members and special teams coaches were injured at 3:30 p.m. today in Irving, Texas when severe thunderstorms accompanied by 60 mph winds came through the area and collapsed an air supported indoor practice facility.
An estimated 80 people were caught inside the structure, including 27 rookie NFL players, according to fire department and rescue dispatcher Mike Adams. Dr. Paul Pepe, head of Emergency Medical Services said that two or three of the twelve are in serious condition.
The players were on the field in the middle of the practice facility when the wind started shaking the sides of the air supported tent. The lights started swinging from the ceiling (see video below) and the entire structure came down, causing players, coaches, reporters and team personnel to scramble to safety.
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said that everyone has been accounted for and that the dozen injured are being cared for at area hospitals. A 33 year old man, impaled by an object, was among several men taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Most had received head, neck and back injuries. A victim suffering an open leg fracture was transported to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.