Officials Investigate Winery Terrace Collapse
Crash Leaves 1 Person Dead, 77 Injured
UPDATED: 12:17 p.m. EDT July 2, 2000
Witnesses say that it felt like an earthquake, and when it stopped, one person was dead and 77 others were injured.
NewsChannel5 reports that investigators are trying to figure out what caused a concrete terrace to collapse at Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island on Lake Erie. Mark Reighard, 29, of Columbus died in the accident.
The concrete patio collapsed into the basement below about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. It crashed down about 20 feet, and emergency crews used dogs to find victims amid the rubble.
Officials held a press conference early Sunday morning on the ongoing investigation.
Engineers say that a structural problem may be to blame.
The injured were rushed by boat and helicopter to hospitals in Toledo and Cleveland.
Four people are listed in serious condition, and one more is still in critical condition Sunday.
Several victims have been upgraded to stable condition, and several more have already been treated and released.
One victim from Maple Heights is in stable condition Sunday at a hospital in Port Clinton, WEWS reports.
NewsChannel5 has just learned that the winery will be closed for the rest of the summer.
The American Red Cross has set up a number for people who may have relatives injured at the winery. You can call (419) 734-6938 or (419) 734-1100 to check the victim list.
Previous Story:
- July 1, 2000: Terrace Collapses; At Least 1 Person Dies
Copyright 2002 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.












