Indiana State Fair Stage Collapses in Freak Accident (PHOTOS)
At least five people have been killed and 45 injured as a stage horrifically collapsed on top of a crowd at the Indiana State Fair Saturday evening.
Video footage of the tragic accident shows hundreds of people screaming as strong winds caused the stage rigging for the outdoor concert to collapse on top of them just before 9 p.m. as a band were scheduled to perform.
Emergency crews immediately attended the scene where many people were trapped beneath the stage. Initial reports have indicated that a number of children were among the 45 people so far registered as injured from the incident.
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"Our thoughts and prayers go out from all of the Rickers family to all those affected by the tragic events that took place last night at the Indiana State Fair. We are all sadden (sic) by the loss of life and wish for a speedy recovery to everyone that was injured," Ricker Stores posted on the state fair Facebook page.
A severe storm was expected to hit the fairgrounds Saturday night and fair officials had been monitoring the weather.
Thousands of people had just started to be evacuated from the area because of the high winds, which hit up to 60 mph, when the rigging for the stage fell onto the track where many were seated.
ISP 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten reported that four people died that night and a fifth died early Sunday. Forty-five people were injured.
The Indiana State Fair's Facebook page has been filled with prayer posts.
"No words can describe how we feel, God you need to reach down to the families with comfort and grace as your humble servants are doing. Bless all who are affected," Doug Dooley wrote.
"My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to those that were injured and to the families of the ones that were lost in this tragic accident. ♥ May GOD give you all comfort during this time," Samantha Larson posted on the page.
The fair has been closed for Sunday as organizers figure out how best to proceed. Fair officials plan to resume the Aug. 5-21 fair "in some form" on Monday.
