Monday, August 21, 2006

"This represents one of the great dangers of archaeology. . . ." Archaeologists thrown by twister
Five archaeologists sheltering in a temporary canteen were picked up and thrown through the air by a freak tornado.

The portable building at Baston Fen, Lincolnshire was flipped over several times and the students and archaeologists inside were thrown around.

Four of the team were taken to Peterborough District Hospital with what were described as minor injuries. The worst injury is thought to be a broken foot, a quarry spokeswoman said. One was treated at the site.

A witness described how the tornado lifted debris, including planks of wood and sheets of metal, almost 200ft into the air.