BARNSLEY was blown into chaos as gale force winds reaching 70 miles an hour swept through the town.

At least six people were taken to Barnsley Hospital, roads were blocked, school buildings damaged and the Alhambra shopping centre had to close its doors.

Just before 1pm a train ran into a fallen tree at Elsecar station and three passengers were taken to hospital, the extent of their injuries was not known.

At the hospital, staff in the A&E department were busy. Among the casualties were three pensioners treated for fractured hips after being knocked off their feet by strong gusts.

Another man was injured and several parked cars were damaged when steel fencing on the Gateway Plaza site at Fitzwilliam Street was blown down.

Swimmers had to leave the pool at Dearnside Leisure Centre in Goldthorpe after the fibre glass dome covering it was carried away and landed in a field.

A Barnsley Premier Leisure spokesman said: “As a result, immediate action was taken by staff to evacuate the pool area, safely and without injury.”

Traffic police spokesman Mike Trees said there were more than 80 incidents on the M1, many of them involving lorries.

He added: “The roads are an absolute nightmare, this is one of the busiest days I can remember.”

Officers from all departments were drafted in to help, including the fire arms unit.

Barnsley Academy pupils were sent home at 1.30pm because of damage to the main hall roof, it will remain closed today. Principal Dave Berry said: “I was concerned about structural damage which is why the decision to close was taken. It has been a bit of a freak.”

At Kirk Balk at Hoyland pupils were evacuated when roof felting on the gymnasium roof was ripped off. The school will remain closed today as health and safety inspectors carry out checks.

Shoppers were also evacuated from the Alhambra at about 3pm when slates from roofs of nearby buildings crashed through some of the mall's windows.

•Full story in this week's Chronicle.