Emergency crews responded to a partial collapse of the tent structure at The Westfield Rink in Gumbert Park Wednesday afternoon, prompting a safety response but no reported injuries.
WESTFIELD, NJ – Police have confirmed that heavy snow caused the collapse of a tent roof at a New Jersey ice rink last week.
Westfield police, firefighters, and EMS units were dispatched to The Westfield Rink at Gumbert Park around 3:46 p.m. on February 25 following reports that the rink’s tent enclosure had partially collapsed. Authorities confirmed that no one was inside the facility at the time other than the owner, who made one of the 9-1-1 calls and was uninjured.
Key Points
- Tent structure at The Westfield Rink partially collapsed around 3:46 p.m. on February 25
- No injuries reported; rink was closed at the time of the incident
- Officials cite heavy snowfall as a likely cause of the collapse
Emergency crews secure the scene
Upon arrival, the Westfield Police Department and Town Fire Department confirmed that the facility was closed for the day. The Union County Hazardous Materials Response Team also responded due to the presence of propylene glycol, a fluid used to maintain the rink’s ice temperature. Officials determined there was no public health hazard.
Utilities were secured, and the rink will remain closed until further notice. It had been scheduled to close for the season on March 8.
Investigation underway into cause
The Westfield Police Department remains on-site to ensure public safety while the rink’s owner arranges for contractors to dismantle the damaged structure. The Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad also responded but was not needed.
Tags: Westfield, tent collapse, Gumbert Park