Sunday 14 August 2011

Concert Stage Collapse Kills Four

Officials in Indianapolis said the death toll could rise after a concert stage scaffolding collapsed onto a crowd at the Indiana State Fair Saturday. Four people were confirmed dead. The dramatic scene was captured on a YouTube video when the rigging tumbled forward onto fans waiting for the country band Sugarland to perform.

Strong winds are being blamed for the stage collapse, which in a fan-made YouTube video can be seen abruptly buckling and falling to one side.

Shortly after the accident, Sugarland posted a message on their Twitter feed: "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."

Metromix/Indianapolis Star reporter Dave Lindquist, reporting from the scene, tweeted: "Sad to say this show utilized VIP pit close to stage, concentrating amount of people in harm's way."

"It was like it was in slow motion," concertgoer Amy Weathers told the Indianapolis Star. "You couldn't believe it was actually happening."

Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, who had just finished a set on the stage about 30 minutes before it collapsed, tweeted: "I'm speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost.

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