Bleachers collapse injures 12 at Texas rodeo near San Antonio

On Saturday night, emergency responders were called to a rodeo arena in Boerne, Texas, after a portion of the bleachers collapsed, injuring 12 individuals. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, located approximately 30 miles north of San Antonio. Initial reports indicated that four people received treatment on-site, while eight others were transported to local hospitals. Fortunately, six of those hospitalized have since been released. Following the collapse, an inspection was conducted by the Boerne Fire Marshal and the city’s code compliance office. They determined that a more comprehensive investigation by a structural engineer is necessary to ascertain the cause of the incident. This investigation is crucial to ensure the safety of the venue before it can be reopened for future events. In light of the incident, the Kendall County Fair Association announced the cancellation of the rodeo performance scheduled for Sunday night. However, attendees were still able to enjoy the final day of the fair, which included opportunities for shopping, dining, and live entertainment. This decision aimed to maintain a sense of community and normalcy despite the unfortunate event. The investigation into the bleacher collapse is ongoing, and authorities are focused on understanding the structural integrity of the arena. The safety of attendees at future events will depend on the findings of this inquiry, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of public venues.