Five people are dead and at least 40 injured as a result of a stage collapsing at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday. The stage collapsed due to powerful winds right before country band Sugarland was set to perform.
State Fair Spokesman Andy Klotz confirmed the deaths, and Governor Mitch Daniels dubbed the collapse a “freakish accident,” according to billboard.com
Heavy rains and winds gusting up to 60 mph complicated the rescue of the injured. Officials were warned of sever weather approaching, but the incident happened quickly.
“The gust of wind came, there was no rain yet and the production fell from left to right,” said Indiana Star reporter Dave Lindquist. “And you could see, you could clearly see people were under the footprint of the rigging.”
About 12,000 people were gathered to see Sugarland perform. Luckily the collapse happened in between sets to avoid further injury. Singer Sara Bareilles had performed on the stage 30 minutes prior to the collapse.
“We are all right,” the Sugarland said in a tweet. “We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.”
The fair was closed today but may reopen tomorrow
Huge events such as these should be properly planned and safety should be the number one priority of the organizers.