Watch: Whirlwind turns children's competition into a scene of chaos
An unusual dust devil hit a children's sports competition in Dartford, UK, throwing equipment and volunteers into the air. The event was caught on camera, leaving behind damaged property but no serious injuries.
An unusual dust devil hit a children's sports competition held last Saturday in Dartford, UK, throwing chairs, tables, equipment, and even some of the adult volunteers present into the air. The event was caught on camera and left behind damaged equipment and debris scattered along the running track.
The incident occurred at the Central Park Athletics Club shortly before hundreds of young athletes were due to begin competing. According to club officials, the whirlwind appeared without any warning on a hot, quiet day with almost no wind.
In the footage, the whirlwind, which looked like a small tornado, is seen moving from the parking area toward the center of the track, lifting dust, dirt, and various objects. The incident also caused damage to electronic equipment worth thousands of pounds.
Club chairman Tony Durey said he had not encountered a similar phenomenon in more than 35 years of involvement in sports. According to him, the whirlwind appeared suddenly, took on the familiar shape of a tornado, and moved along the running track.
Durey added that if the children had already been on the track at the time of the impact, there was a fear that some of them could have been thrown into the air. Fortunately, the competition had not yet started, and the event ended without any serious injuries to the children.
