8 people injured in temporary structure collapse at Nigerian-style market near city hall

Eight people were injured when pre-staged lighting and equipment toppled over. Jordan Kanygin reports.

Several people were injured when a tent toppled over at a Nigerian-style Market Saturday afternoon.

Calgary police responded just before 3 p.m. for reports that a temporary structure collapsed in the 800 block of Macleod Trail near city hall.

“We began receiving multiple complaints about a disturbance in front of City Hall,” said Staff Sgt. Gord Fraser.

“A disturbance actually turned out to be what I’m going to call an industrial accident at the festival here in which some pre-staged lighting and video equipment ended up toppling over onto a bunch of festival goers, causing multiple injuries.”

Police said eight people -- seven adults and one young person -- were transported to hospital in non life-threatening condition.

“We’re going to be calling in our general investigation section to conduct a review of the incident and inspect some of the equipment to try and determine what happened and the hopes of mitigating future incidents,” said Fraser.

A police investigation into what happened is underway, and investigators are asking event attendees to provide any photos or videos of the incident.

They are most interested in photos of the equipment setup and placement prior to the start of the event, and photos or video footage of the collapse.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the city at 2:20 p.m., but it’s not clear whether the incident was weather-related.

The Najia Market Day featured Afro music and hype sessions, unique products and food from a diverse array of vendors and a lively and authentic Nigerian market atmosphere.