Roof partially collapses at Dutch Club Az Alkmaar’s stadium amid high winds

ALKMAAR: A large section of the roof has collapsed at Dutch club AZ Alkmaar’s stadium as high winds buffeted the area.

There were no injuries from the partial collapse at AFAS Stadion, the Dutch Eredivisie club’s general manager Robert Eenhorn said at a press conference where he also announced an investigation into the incident.

He said: “This surprised us all. We are very shocked but especially happy that there was no human suffering. In the coming days we will conduct a study with experts in this field. Only when that investigation has been done can we elaborate on the matter. It is much too early for that now.” AZ Alkmaar were not playing when the roof fell at their 17,000-capacity stadium, which was officially opened for a friendly against Arsenal in August 2006. Their next home game is a Europa League qualifier against Ukraine’s FC Mariupol on Thursday.