At least 16 injured after obstacle collapses at Warrior Dash event

ST. FRANCISVILLE – Authorities say at least 16 people were injured after an obstacle collapsed at the Warrior Dash event in St. Francisville Saturday afternoon.

First responders say 11 people were transported from the scene with "a wide range of injuries from minor to serious." Three people were airlifted via helicopter to Our Lady of the Lake hospital in Baton Rouge.

"We had just gotten off it maybe 30 seconds before," Rebecca Gaillot told WBRZ. "It was wobbly and we were worried, we should have listened to those feelings. Anyway, we had started to run forward and heard the wood hit and people scream."

Erin Foster with the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office could not give an exact number but said at least 16 people were hurt. The State Fire Marshall's Office will investigate the incident. They say an investigation may take a couple of days.

A spokesperson for the Fire Marshall's office said teams will attempt to recreate the obstacle Sunday to see if there were any faults in its construction. Brant Thompson told WBRZ's Earl Phelps that it is too early to determine if negligence was involved and if possible criminal charges will be filed.

Sources told WBRZ's Brett Buffington that as many as 20 people could have been injured, with one person in critical condition.

#BREAKING at least 20 injured, 11 taken to hospitals, one critical after obstacle collapse at Warrior Dash in West Feliciana Parish. @WBRZ — Brett Buffington (@BrettBuffington) October 8, 2016

Warrior Dash spokesperson Lauren King said the Diesel Dome obstacle collapsed and that the organization is evaluating the situation. The event's website describes the obstacle as a "30×50 wooden dome with views of the ground that will ignite your vertigo."

One #WarriorDash participant tells me this obstacle, the Diesel Dome, collapsed. At least 16 people were injured. https://t.co/4sff4uPPiZ pic.twitter.com/CnHyx9q7Ze — Kevin Dupuy WBRZ (@TheWebKevin) October 8, 2016

“Our thoughts are with the injured participants and their families," King said. "The safety and security of our racers and spectators are paramount at our events."

Gaillot said it appeared multiple people, including a child, had broken bones but everyone was speaking and conscious.

The Warrior Dash is a national 5k obstacle race. According to the event's website, participants are challenged to "12 world-class obstacles like Goliath and Fisherman’s Catch."