The main concert stage collapses during a storm at the Indiana State Fair on August 13, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The stage fell just before country duo Sugarland were scheduled to perform, killing at least four people and injuring as many as 40 more. (Photo by Joey Foley/Getty Images)
A deadly storm with wind gusts of 60-70 mph slammed into the Indiana State Fair late Saturday night at approximately 9 p.m. local time causing the main concert stage to collapse. At this time authorities are reporting at least four dead and over 40 fans receiving treatment at local hospitals. It’s estimated that more than 150 fans were also treated at a makeshift triage unit at the fairgrounds itself.
It’s possible the death toll from the stage collapse at the fairgrounds in Indianapolis, which occurred as a crowd of about 12,000 waited for a performance by Sugarland, could go higher, local authorities are reporting.
This raw video clip posted by a concert-goer on YouTube shows the stage collapsing as the storm hit. (WARNING – this video contains disturbing images):
Indianapolis Star music reporter David Lindquist was in the fifth row of the Grandstand when the disaster unfolded.
“The entire stage rigging collapsed,” Lindquist said. “This is bad. This is very bad.”
According to Lindquist, opening act Sara Bareilles finished her set by commenting what a beautiful night it was. Less than 30 minutes later the stage set was on the ground.
“The gust of wind came, there was no rain yet and the production fell from left to right,” Lindquist said. “And you could see, you could clearly see people were under the footprint of the rigging.”
Emergency crews and fans quickly converged on the collapsed stage and worked to free those who were trapped, he said.
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that the State Fair has been cancelled for Sunday and will resume on Monday with a prayer and memorial service.
Following the tragedy, Sugarland posted a message via Twitter: “We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.”
Other stars took to Twitter to share their thoughts on this tragedy:
Blake Shelton
My prayers to the people at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis…. Absolutely shocking and hard to comprehend… Beyond belief…
Jake Owen
Every guy in our crew has thoughts and prayers going out to folks at Indiana State Fair and our friends @Sugarlandmusic.
Jay DeMarcus
All thoughts and prayers go to the folks in Indy and Sugarlands camp tonight… What an awful tragedy…
Sara Evans
Omgosh! Just heard about the stage at Sugarland concert! My prayers are with everyone involved!
Martina McBride
So sad to hear about the State Fair in Indianapolis. Our prayers are with Sugarland, their fans, and all the personnel working there.
Reba McEntire
What happened in Indianapolis tonight is what promoters, artists, crews and fans pray never happens.
Keith Urban
“I just saw the footage from Indiana State Fair tonight on youtube and am absolutely in shock. We send our prayers and thoughts to each and everyone of you who were there and your families and loved ones as well. God bless you all” – KU
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