Unstable Chester-le-Street stand victim remains in hospital

One person remains in hospital after being treated for “serious” injuries sustained when a stand became unstable during England’s Twenty20 international against the West Indies at Chester-le-Street.

Three spectators were hurt after falling in the North-East terrace of the Emirates Riverside, with social media posts from those in attendance suggesting a hole emerged in a section of flooring.

The North East ambulance service responded to a 999 call from the ground and took one of the injured parties to Newcastle’s RVI Hospital, telling Press Association Sport the patient was in a “serious condition”.

A spokesman for the hospital confirmed the individual was still being treated on Sunday morning for “non life-threatening injuries”. Durham have begun the process of collecting witness statements from stewards and first responders but have yet to comment publicly.

Fans from the entire seating block were ushered away from the area by stewards and guided to other parts of the ground to watch the remainder of England’s 21-run defeat.

A club statement read: “During the course of the second innings between England v West Indies at Emirates Riverside, three spectators were injured when a small section of the North-East Terrace flooring became unstable causing them to fall.

“Stewards took precautionary action and evacuated that area of the stand efficiently. The stand is a permanent fixture at the venue and had passed inspections in the week prior to the match.”

Twitter user @ChristianCeriso posted an image of two stewards standing guard either side of what appeared to be an opening directly beneath a seat.

Windies captain Carlos Brathwaite said after the match that some of his players felt conditions on the pitch were “unsafe” and was prepared to take an abandonment after wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton slipped while fielding, needing lengthy treatment.

Press Association Sport has contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board for further comment.