How the f***k did that happen?

Another curious question from a sun-drenched Dick's Field.
There's a van parked just down from us with what appears to be a full length awning (with a nasty bend in the middle) closed up and stashed close by the gas/water side.
Walking past, there's three sections of white duct tape covering the damaged points where the mounting brackets used to be.
I didn't want to rub salt in the wound by asking what happened, but I'm puzzlesd as to what could rip a complete awning off the side of a motorhome?
And more to the point.... how's he going to get it home?

A man of few words.. ...

Exactly what I've been telling my wife for years.....

That would actually make a lot of sense, and would explain how the awning has a noticeable bend in the middle. I might ask him tomorrow if he's outside when I pass.

Seen it happen to Craic'ers van in Leitrim also.

The last time it was windy in Ardmore, I added a light rope across the middle of the awning, (from left to right) then anchored the rope at each end. It worked well, stopping the noisy flapping.
(On the awning as well )

Which I can now confirm is exactly what happened. I talked to the owner today, the awning had been extended but well secured. While they were off-site for the day, a freak gust of wind literally ripped the whole assembly off the side of the van depositing it on the roof, just missing the solar panel and aerial etc. No-one hurt thankfully, and by the time they returned, unaware of the drama, other campers and site staff had the situation under control, including temporarily covering the holes in the van side with duct tape.
Certainly a lesson for me... I always took my wife's concern (about only putting the awning out on calm days) with a pinch of salt...but having seen the actual chunks of motorhome wall around each bracket, no more chancing it!

One reason why I didnt put one on my current van, along with how many times are you really able to use it!