12,000 Sugarland fans were horrified Saturday night as the stage collapsed ahead of their performance the Indiana State Fair. The AP stated 45 people were taken to the hospital with injuries, 12 of which had to stay overnight.
Four individuals died on the scene as metal scaffolding, used to hold the lights, tumbled down. Now, State Fair spokesman Andy Klotz has confirmed a fifth person has died at the hospital.
Threatening clouds were seen overhead just half an hour after Sara Bareilles played her opening set, and minutes later a gust of wind measuring nearly 70 mph sent the stage crashing down. The fair was closed today, but it is set to reopen Monday.
Since the tragedy, both country act Sugarland and Bareilles, known for her hit “Love Song,” have issued statements on Twitter. Sugarland tweeted late Saturday night, “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.”
Sugarland and Sara Bareilles were scheduled to perform tonight at the Iowa State Fair; however, the show was cancelled following the events in Indiana.
Watch a video of the stage collapse below – Viewer discretion is advised:
