Sugarland Says Prayer Circle Saved Them From Indiana Stage Collapse
Heavy winds on Saturday caused the stage that was set up for country group Sugarland to collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Five people were killed in the incident and Sugarland, which was supposed to be on the stage during the time of its collapse, said a prayer circle saved them.
Gail Gellman, Sugarland’s manager, said everyone else thought it was safe to go on stage, but Hellen Rollens, tour manager, decided to hold the band back.
About a minute later, 60 to 70 mph winds toppled the roof and metal platform supporting the lights and other equipment.
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“Everybody was standing in a prayer circle getting ready to go onstage, and Hellen, as she was walking down the ramp, the stage fell. So her decision to hold them for literally a minute saved every band member and crew’s life,” Gellman told The Associated Press.
As the scaffolding came tumbling down, the band and its crew took cover near a wall to avoid being crushed by the falling metal.
“There was no running out anywhere. No one knew what happened. It was just the moment when your eyes get big,” Gellman told AP.
Sugarland tweeted after the incident, “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.”
Jennifer Nettles, one-half of the country duo, posted a condolence note on the band’s website:
I am so moved. Moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones. Moved by the pain of those who are injured and the fear of their families. Moved by the great heroism as I watched so many brave Indianapolis fans actually run toward the stage to try and help lift and rescue those injured.
There are no words to process a moment of this magnitude and gravity. There are only prayers for peace in the hearts of the bereft, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who were spared or safe. A piece of our heart is left in that grandstand. May God provide peace and healing to the people of Indianapolis.
Sugarland had canceled their Sunday show at the Iowa State Fair, but are set to play Albuquerque on Thursday.
A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for the area about three hours before the event, attended by 12,000 people, was scheduled to start.
The fair closed on Saturday following the tragedy and was reopened on Monday with a memorial service for the victims that lost their lives.
