CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a van hit an elderly man outside a Tampa Bay area performing arts center about two hours before actor and comedian Eddie Izzard was set to take the stage.
Clearwater police spokesman Rob Shaw says the crash occurred behind Ruth Eckerd Hall shortly before 6 p.m. Monday. Izzard's show was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. No delays were reported.
Police say the man had been helping his wife with the van's gears and was returning to the passenger seat when the vehicle accelerated and hit him. He was taken to a St. Petersburg hospital with a trauma alert.
No injuries were reported to the wife or about a dozen Ruth Eckerd Hall volunteers who had been riding in the van.
A fire department inspection revealed no structural damage to the building.
