Five dead following Indiana State Fair stage collapse

Five people died at this weekend’s Indiana State Fair after stage rigging was hit by gusts of wind, CMU has reported.

With headliners Sugarland set to take to the stage, an announcer at the event warned attendees that a storm was approaching, but that the show would still be able to go ahead. However, shortly after the announcement, strong winds arose within seconds, causing the large stage rig to collapse on the crowd.

Local media reports suggested that four of the victims died immediately, while a fifth died later in hospital. Over 40 others were being treated for injuries caused by the stage collapse. State Governor Mitch Daniels told reporters later that many precautions had been taken ahead of the event to cope with stormy weather, but that the stage collapse had been caused by a freak gust of wind – between 60 and 70 mph – that could not have been foreseen.

In a statement released yesterday, Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles, said: "I am so moved. Moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones. Moved by the pain of those who were 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. Moved by the quickness and organisation of the emergency workers who set up the triage and tended to the injured."