Skaters trapped as tent collapses at Bellevue ice arena

A large tent weighted by heavy snow collapsed at a temporary ice rink in Bellevue's Downtown Park about 8 tonight, briefly trapping a few of the 10 people who were skating at the time.

Bystanders and employees operating the rink quickly lifted up the tent, allowing all but a young girl to get out, said Lt. Eric Keenan of the Bellevue Fire Department.

Firefighters then worked with others to reach the girl, who was taken as a precaution to Overlake Hospital Medical Center with minor injuries, Keenan said.

The Group Health Ice Arena, operated as part of the Bellevue Downtown Association's Magic Season, is located at Northeast 1st Street and 102nd Avenue Northeast. The arena is about one block south of Bellevue Square.

Witnesses said the tent and lights at the top collapsed in one quick motion, Keenan said.

Keenan said the collapse served as warning about the danger of snow piling up on lightweight structures.

More than 7 inches of snow fell in Bellevue over the weekend.