A New Jersey youth baseball game was interrupted when a tree came crashing onto the dugout, causing instant chaos among the players and parents.
The Middletown Hammers were facing the Fair Haven Diamonds on Saturday when the terrifying incident took place.
In footage shared online, a tree is seen falling onto the dugout as the 10 and 11-year-olds were playing at the community center in Fair Haven.
Coaches and nearby adults promptly rushed to help those who were standing under the dugout - no major injuries were reported.
Middletown coach Garrett Van Alstyne recorded the incident, recalling his camera was set up to record highlights of the U.S. Amateur Baseball league game.
A New Jersey youth baseball game was interrupted when a tree came crashing onto the dugout, causing instant chaos among the players and parents
Middletown coach Garrett Van Alstyne recorded the incident, recalling his camera was set up to record highlights of the U.S. Amateur Baseball league game
The tree fell on the opposition’s dugout but that didn’t stop Van Alstyne from springing to action.
‘It wasn’t my team, but at that moment those are my players,’ the coach told CBS News.
‘The Fair Haven boys, some of them were getting pretty emotional there. You could see them visibly shaking.
Van Alstyne’s son was also on the field and like his father, he also rushed to help.
Lt. Stephen Schneider of Fair Haven Police said: ‘Some abrasions on the top of the head, nothing major.
First aid checked them out along with patrols, and they refused medical attention. Their parents were here with them so after that they were released.
Crews have since cleared the fallen debris and maimed bleachers.
There were no complaints of low hanging branches or anything related to the tree before the break though attendees heard cracking noises but did not report any concern.
Homeowners on the other side of the fence have reportedly said they will ‘take care of what’s left of it.’
‘I appreciate everyone showing this video. Hopefully a lot of the municipalities around that have facilities, baseball fields, soccer fields - if there are any trees like this, check them. Just take a look and see if there is anything they can do so an incident like this doesn’t happen,’ Van Alstyne added.