In Seville, a school event ended with injuries after the collapse of a canopy at a plant nursery plan exposición in the Alameda de Hércules area. The Education Delegation of the Junta de Andalucía confirmed that the activity involved students and teachers from the Julio Verne Institute in the Pino Montano neighborhood of Seville. Emergency responders quickly arrived and moved two minors to a hospital as a precautionary measure. The incident was first reported to authorities around midday, prompting a swift response from fire crews, local and national police, and ambulance services. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
Witnesses describe a loud crash around 12:30, initially believed to be only a scare. However, when people rushed to help, several children appeared, and it became clear that one student remained trapped beneath the structure. Helpers carefully lifted a canvas cover to free the trapped student, and volunteers recounted that the rescue required extra care due to the fabric and iron framework holding the canopy in place. The rescue team offered medical evaluation at the scene, and long delays were avoided thanks to the quick arrival of medical personnel. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
One local restaurateur, who operates a venue nearby, provided a firsthand account of the moment. He described hearing a substantial noise and seeing children emerge from beneath the tarp after the initial worry that everyone had escaped unscathed. He reported that a tooth injury was sustained by a child while assisting during the extraction, noting that the team acted with restraint to prevent further harm while the wind and rain persisted. The witness added that emergency services reached the scene with commendable speed. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
According to the same accounts, concerns extended beyond the immediate aftermath. The weight of water and the canopy’s bulk initially trapped a girl beneath the collapsed structure, and there were ongoing worries about further loads shifting as the scene was stabilized. Ultimately, officials indicated that there were no serious injuries, and the affected students were evaluated by medical personnel on site. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
Testimony from attendees
Another participant described hearing a very loud crash and believed it to be nothing more than a scare. Those present recalled seeing the rescue operations unfold, with authorities carefully lifting the covering to release the trapped student. The incident shed light on the potential hazards of temporary installations used at events, particularly during adverse weather. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
A nearby kiosk operator provided insights into the situation, explaining that a neighbor alerted him after noticing the cinema-like canopy and the water-filled roof above. He noted that strong gusts of wind had tested the structure, but the team managing the installation had not reported any immediate structural failure before the collapse. He remarked that the canopy did not include an effective drainage system, which contributed to the heavy weight from rain. The operator emphasized that the carpa, though flat, had no proper drainage, which compounded the risk. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
The kiosk owner also mentioned that a number of children had briefly visited the vendor for snacks shortly before the incident, heightening the sense of danger for a moment. This account underscores the unpredictability of weather-influenced events and the vulnerability of temporary entertainment structures used in busy public spaces. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
What is Planetarium Go!
The venue hosting the canopy collapse is operated by the Jaén-based company Planetarium Go!. This mobile dome cinema offers a spherical, 360-degree viewing experience and was set up in the Alameda de Hércules in Seville on February 9, with a planned run through March 17. The company operates a similar project in Granada as well. According to the company’s website, the planetarium accommodates up to 64 visitors and screens astronomy-themed films suitable for all ages. (Source: Planetarium Go!)
The incident at the Seville site has prompted authorities to review safety protocols for temporary installations, particularly those serving a high-density audience. While the schedule suggested an ongoing engagement, organizers and local officials are now assessing the structural integrity of remaining setups and examining what measures are required to prevent future collapses during inclement weather. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)
The broader takeaway is a reminder about the importance of securing temporary venues, evaluating wind resistance, drainage capacity, and the effects of heavy rainfall on flexible architectures used in public events. City officials and event organizers may consider stricter inspections and more robust anchors for future outdoor exhibits. (Source: El Correo de Andalucía)