The crowd at the Indiana State Fair was waiting for Sugarland to take the stage for a Saturday night performance when strong winds of 60 to 70 mph caused the stage to collapse.
Five people are confirmed dead and 45 others were injured. Thousands of gathered fans had just enjoyed opening act Sara Bareilles when reports of a dangerous storm prompted an announcement to evacuate the grandstands.
Moments later thousands of pounds of steel scaffolding, wooden beams, lighting, and other equipment from the outdoor stage began to topple onto concertgoers.
One VIP section named the Sugar Pit was hit the hardest, though none of Sugarland’s band or crew was injured.
The website for Sugarland posted this message after the tragedy, “We are all right after our stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair tonight. Many of our fans and friends in Indianapolis may not be. Please keep them in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever form of strength you are able to send. They need you. Thank you.”
Sara Bareilles tweeted shortly after the accident:
The Indiana State Fair has canceled Sunday events but will reopen on Monday morning at 8 a.m. with a special ceremony to remember those who died.
Check out the horrific video footage below: