The intense storm that tore through parts of Quebec Tuesday ripped up a tent in Pointe-Claire that was installed for the Strangers in the Night charity gala.
“It came so fast. It took literally a few seconds,” said employee André Ménard.
“It started raining really hard, the wind picked it [the tent] up, and then the whole thing ripped apart.”
Staff say the severe thunderstorm came without any warning, and it was something like they’ve never witnessed before.
READ MORE: Lachute hit by F1 tornado during intense storm Tuesday
“We heard a crack of thunder and the rain started coming,” said onsite manager Ken Doran.
“All of a sudden, I felt wind and you saw chairs like you were throwing dominoes and the tent just moved and it never came back and it just went.”
During that time, staff say a few dozen people were underneath the tent working.
Two people were injured.
“One quite severely,” said Doran.
“A pin from one of the tent’s smacked her in the head and she has multiple fractures. Thank God it’s not life threatening, she was taken care of right away.”
READ MORE: Fire officials ask people in NDG to stay away from areas damaged by powerful storm
Though the experience was frightening, event organizers say they don’t have time to dwell on it.
They say 5,000 people are expected to attend the gala Friday night for a perfomance by the Styx.
Wednesday, all hands were on deck to rebuild what was damaged.
READ MORE: Clean-up underway after severe storm, heavy winds rip through Montreal
“There’s another tent up, and there will be another tent up, and everything’s getting ready for a great show on Friday night,” said Strangers in the Night founder Larry Day.
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