Tragic Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse Kills Five

Tragic Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse: Five people were killed and at least 45 were injured when an “isolated significant wind gust” caused a stage setup at the Indiana State Fair to collapse. State Police 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten said the number of fatalities may rise.

Gov. Mitch Daniels said in a conference call to discuss emergency response that he believes the State Fair’s preparedness measures were adequate, calling the collapse a “freakish accident.” The Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration will be conducting an investigation of the incident alongside the State Fire Marshal.

Country music duo Sugarland were set to perform when State Police special operations commander Brad Weaver and the fair’s Executive Director Cindy Hoye made the decision to evacuate the crowd. Moments later, however, WLHK program director Bob Richards told the crowd the show was still on, though preparations should be made to find shelter in case the weather took a turn for the worse.

The collapse occurred seconds later.

The fair is closed today, but will reopen tomorrow. A public remembrance in honor of the victims will be held tomorrow morning at 9 AM.