U.S. Open: Spectators require medical attention after being hit by golf cart
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Several spectators were left needing medical attention after a freak accident led to a golf cart crashing in to crowds by the 16th hole at the U.S. Open on Friday
According to reports, the freak accident occured when a box fell from the front seat of an unoccupied golf cart and on to the accelerator, sending it hurtling towards the crowds by the 16th fairway at Pebble Beach.
The California Highway Police said that a vendor had loaded the cart with boxes to make deliveries before parking it at the 16th hole and briefly walking away. The incident was reported at 10.20am local time.
When the cart began to move, eye witnesses described one person being hurt when he tried to remove the box from the accelerator, which likely forced the golf cart out of ‘park’ before it careered into spectators who were unable to move in time.
Eventually, someonoe was able to turn the wheel and force the box from the accelerator.
The USGA’s official statement said that four people were hurt, which included the vendor in charge of the golf cart. Two people were hospitalised after the crash, and were sent to the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
The USGA statement read: “Unfortunately, during the second round of the US Open, there was an incident involving a golf cart on the 16th hole that resulted in three spectators and a vendor being injured and requiring medical treatment.
“We will continue to monitor their conditions.”
However, that statement comes at odds with the intiail reports from the Californian, who said that police had told them five people had been injured.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s report, one victim suffered a broken arm, another a spinal injury and a third suffered minor injuries.
The injured are as follows, according to the Highway Patrol, as first reported by the Californian:
A man, 82, from Modesto
A man, 58, from Modesto
A woman, 58, from Carmel
A man, 25, from Highland, Texas
A man, 43, from West Jordan, Utah.
