Pickleball court roof collapses in Hanoi thunderstorm, players narrowly escape

The incident happened at around 6 p.m. at a popular pickleball facility on Pham Hung Street in Nam Tu Liem District. Witnesses described a sudden, intense gust of wind that bent a structural support column, leading to the catastrophic failure of the 800-square-meter metal roof.

About 20 people were playing at the time. No one was hurt.

"Just seconds after we got out, the roof came crashing down," recalled one player who narrowly escaped.

The roof of a pickleball court is brought down by gales in Hanoi, June 15, 2025. Photo by Tu Tai

The facility, which featured 10 courts under a lightweight metal frame and corrugated iron roof, had become a daily hub for Hanoi’s fast-growing pickleball community since opening in late 2024.

Open from early morning until late evening, the court attracted players drawn to the sport’s simplicity and accessibility.

Pickleball, a fast-paced paddle sport blending elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has seen a rapid rise in popularity across Vietnam, particularly in urban areas where court space is limited but demand for accessible recreation is booming.

 

 

Pickleball court roof collapses in Hanoi thunderstorm, players narrowly escape

Sập mái sân pickleball, nhiều người tháo chạy