Four people died at an Indiana State Fair on August 13, 2011, while waiting for country duo Sugarland to take the stage, E!Online is reporting. High winds blew scaffolding onto the front rows before the band took the stage, which resulted in the deaths and left dozens of other audience members injured. At least 40 people were transported to local hospitals, the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety reported.
Kirby Ehler, an employee of local NewsChannel 15, said that when the wind picked up to a reported 60 to 70 miles per hour, the rook crashed forward into the people standing in the front. “There were people trapped underneath and everyone was running and screaming. They were asking any medics or nurses not to leave,” he added.
The National Weather Service had issued a hazardous weather alert for central Indiana. The alert warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms, adding that the storms “may be severe with damaging winds and large hail as the main threats.” The alert also predicted dangerous lightening and brief heavy rainfall.
Sugarland’s lead singer, Jennifer Neetles, issued a statement saying the band is “stunned and heartbroken for the fans and their families in Indiana We hold those injured in our prayers at this very sad time.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
