Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse Before Sugarland Performance: Investigation Continues
Crews have investigated what was left of the stage that collapsed at the Indiana State Fair just before country music band Sugarland was scheduled to perform, trying to find the cause of the accident which killed five and injured 40 last weekend.
Investigators sifted through rubble on Sunday while the fairgrounds were closed. The fair was expected to reopen on Monday with a memorial to be held for those who died in the horrific accident, according to Cindy Hoyne, the fair’s executive director.
Warnings were issued by forecasters two hours before the rain and strong winds ripped through the stage causing the accident. The National Weather Service predicted the winds would reach speeds up to 70 mph.
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Investigators revealed that metal scaffolding fell onto the “Sugarpit” which is a section usually occupied by Sugarland’s most enthusiastic fans. It fell only four minutes after the authorities rushed to the stage to warn the crowd to seek shelter. This was part of a timeline of events released by investigators on Sunday.
“It’s not clear to me at this stage how anyone could have foreseen a sudden, highly localized gust of wind in one place,” Gov. Mitch Daniels said.
Sugarland escaped in time and did not suffer injuries from the accident. They tweeted that they were “stunned and heartbroken for the fans,” later on that day.
The group also canceled their performance at the Iowa State Fair along with their opening act Sara Bareilles. According to the fair’s website, Sugarland lost some of their performance equipment in the accident and so were unable to put on another show.
Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland posted a statement on the band's website. She said, “There are no words to process a moment of this magnitude and gravity.”
“There are only prayers for peace in the hearts of the benefit, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who were spared of safe. A piece of our heart is left in that grandstand.”
