A tragic accident occurred at the home stadium of the Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park.
Major League Baseball's official media outlet, MLB.com, reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "during the game between the Pirates and the Cubs on Wednesday (1st), a spectator fell from the right field stands into the ground."
The accident occurred during the game held on the 1st at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the Pirates were trailing 2-3 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning and runners on first and second when Andrew McCutchen hit a two-RBI double to take the lead. At that moment, one of the spectators cheering joyfully from the stands lost balance and fell onto the ground. The game was halted for about 10 minutes due to this incident. The victim is currently reported to be in critical condition.
The Pirates released a statement after the game in which the accident occurred, saying, "Tonight, a male adult fell from the right field stands during the bottom of the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh emergency medical team, along with the training teams of the Pirates and Cubs, and other PNC Park staff took immediate action and provided treatment. The victim was transported to Allegheny General Hospital. There is currently no further information. The club wishes for the victim's recovery."
Pittsburgh President Bob Nutting also issued a statement on the 2nd, saying, "We all feel deep sorrow and heartbreak over the horrific accident that occurred last night. Many people experienced the most difficult moment. We are all in shock. The Pirates baseball community is like a family, and now more than ever, we need to come together to support each other and pray for the victim and their loved ones."
Nutting also added, "We express our gratitude to those who were the first to take action to help the victim." MLB.com reported that "after Andrew McCutchen's hit, when a spectator fell, someone from the lower level stands jumped down to help the fallen individual."
The right field fence at PNC Park was built to honor the legendary player Roberto Clemente, at a height of 21 feet (6.4 m), which corresponds to his jersey number 21. MLB.com explained that "according to the designer of PNC Park, the railing above the Clemente wall is 36 inches (91 cm) tall, which is higher than the safety regulation of 26 inches (66 cm)."
McCutchen said, "I was shocked by the accident that happened yesterday. After the game, we all came here with our teammates to pray for him. I hope he and his family will get the best treatment, and I want friends and family to know that we are all thinking of the victim and praying for him. We just hope he will recover well. I hope to hear good news."
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