“Chairs and sand were blowing everywhere, then when I looked up, the stage just kind of swayed back and forth, then came crashing down in to the crowd.” Indiana State Fair attendee
Around 8:55pm Saturday, at least 43 people were injured and four people died as a result of the Grand Stand Stage collapsing at the Indiana State Fair. A wind gust estimated between 60 and 70 miles per hour blew through the infield of the Indiana State Fairgrounds just minutes before Sugarland was scheduled to take the stage. Everyone at Naptown Buzz is praying for those in attendance at the fair and their families and is very thankful for the Hoosiers that helped other Hoosiers.
From Twitter.com–
IndyStateFair Indiana State Fair: Please stand by for more info on this tragedy. There have been four confirmed deaths. Our prayers are with the families of all affected.
Sugarlandmusic Sugarland: 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.
MayorBallard Mayor Greg Ballard: Thoughts and prayers are with those injured at the Indiana State Fair tonight. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates
HankFM Country 97.1 HANK FM: Praying everyone is safe at the @IndyStateFair.
VH1 VH1: BREAKING: At least three dead and dozens injured after stage collapses at Sugarland concert http://t.co/6LB4bXc
FollowCMT CMT : Thoughts and prayers go out to those who passed away and were injured after the stage collapses prior to Sugarland show: http://ow.ly/62C2u
blakeshelton Blake Shelton: My prayers to the people at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis…. Absolutely shocking and hard to comprehend… Beyond belief…
UPDATE: Sunday, August 14, 2011 @ 1:50am
- The Indiana State Fair will be closed on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
- The Indiana State Fair is expected to resume on Monday, August 15, 2011.
- When the Indiana State Fair is reopened, there will be a memorial service for the victims.
- Four people are confirmed dead with the possibility of an increase in fatalities.
- The next public update will take place between 9an & noon on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
UPDATE: Sunday, August 14, 2011 @ 10:40am
- Death total increased to five:
- Tammy Vandam, 42, Wanatah, Indiana
- Glenn Goodrich, 49, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Alina Bigjohnny, 23, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
- Christina Santiago, 29, Chicago, Illinois
- Nathan Byrd, 51, Indianapolis, Indiana
- More than 40 injured and taken to local hospitals.
- The Indiana State Police say that there is still the possibility of further fatalities.
- The Indiana State Fair will reopen at 8am on Monday, August 15, 2011, with a public remembrance at the Free Stage at 9am.
- Upcoming fair concerts are still being worked out.
Great post, very insightful. I am very curious as to the cause of this unforseen catastrophe. Thanks for the update & tweets 🙂