No spectators were hurt when the stand fell onto the concreted seating area at the Galle International Stadium ahead of day two of the first Test
Stormy weather has led to a grandstand at the Galle International Stadium collapsing before play in the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.
Wet and windy conditions led to a delayed start to day two as groundstaff fought to keep the outfield covered.
But one stand buckled under the pressure, falling onto a small seating area after metal sheets secured by ropes blew off, according to the Australian Associated Press.
No spectators were hurt while Australia's players had only recently arrived ahead of play.
More evidence of the chaos at Galle (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/Getty Images)
Such was the velocity of the wind, ground staff used tyres to ensure covers would remain fixed to the ground, while others were seen sweeping away standing water following the deluge.
Other damage included a glass panel falling in front of a marquee which had previously housed touring groups and broadcast equipment being rendered unusable at the Fort end of the ground.
Play did eventually get underway at 1.45pm local time (9.15am BST) following the lengthy delay.
The chaos followed an amber warning by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, with winds of between 50kmph and 60kpm predicted across the southwest coast.
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