News

The gym roof at Barranca Elementary School sustained major wind damage Wednesday in what’s being described as a “major wind event” ripped part of the roof off, scattering insulation and other roofing material throughout the school grounds, including the school parking lot.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m.

No one was injured during the event, which witnesses said lasted about two minutes. Wednesday is a half day at the school.

LAFD Battalion Chief Paul Grano said at the scene that there were three minor medical incidents.

"Some of the victims got dust in their eyes," Grano said.

Due to the quick efforts by Barranca Mesa Elementary School Principal Pam Miller and others, no one was injured during the brief windstorm.

“It was like a mini tornado,” Miller said. “We were in the gym having lunch when we heard something like a train going by. You could hear the roof peeling off.” It was then that Miller and others went in to gather the other children playing outside indoors but by that time the wind had stopped.