Scores of people, including schoolchildren, were hurt when a marquee collapsed during the launch of child protection week in Driefontein in KwaZulu-Natal, a social welfare official said.

“The marquee had about 10,000 people when strong winds crushed it. About 30 people, including children, were seriously injured,” said social welfare spokesman Sifiso Buthelezi.

He said the marquee collapsed just minutes before social welfare MEC Meshack Radebe was about to address people from the podium.

“He was still in the holding room when the incident happened. He was about to enter the marquee when it collapsed,” he said.

He said the injured had been taken to various hospitals. The launch was postponed until further notice.