WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. -- One person was killed and dozens were injured Friday night at Kennywood Park, where the roof of a structure that houses a ride collapsed in severe storms. As of Sunday evening, eight remained hospitalized.
The park was closed through the remainder of the weekend and will remain closed on Monday while debris was cleared and repairs were made. Those holding passes for those days will be honored throughout the remainder of the year and next year, said a park spokesman.
The accident happened around 7 p.m. at The Whip, which is in the Lost Kennywood area of the amusement park. A spokeswoman said there were riders on the Whip's 16 cars when the roof collapsed.
People were reportedly running for safety as trees fell, branches snapped off, and debris flew around in winds that reached 80 mph.
Stephanie Wilkerson, 29, of Monroeville, was killed when the wind caused part of the structure to move, crushing her against a fence. West Mifflin Police Chief Frank Diener confirmed the death for WTAE's Michelle Wright.
Diener said 47 people were injured, many of them children. Several people were taken to hospitals throughout the Pittsburgh area with varying degrees of injuries.
The park was heavily attended Friday, and the Penn-Trafford School District was having its annual picnic.
Patrons were asked to leave after the accident, and the park was closed. People waiting for rides home were moved to the guest relations office. Anyone who needs information may call the park at
412-461-0500 (ext. 1100).
The Whip is Kennywood's oldest flat ride, said park spokeswoman Mary Lou Rosemeyer. It was built in 1918 and relocated once before moving to its current pavilion-like home in 1995.
Rosemeyer said the park was still on emergency power late Friday night. Management will decide Saturday morning whether to reopen.
Heavy rainfall hit the western Pennsylvania area Friday. Action News received reports of widespread damage, including flooding, trees and wires down, and mudslides.
Hail and funnel clouds were reported in some areas, and tornado warnings were issued Friday evening. No tornadoes have been confirmed.
The Nationall Weather Service will determine whether the region was hit by a tornado or a microburst.
Click here to learn about the difference between a tornado and microburst.
Click here to see pictures of storm damage.
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