Indianapolis Stage Collapse Aftermath

Collapse came moments after an announcer warned of the advancing storm

Sunday, August 14, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A stage collapsed during a powerful storm at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, sending steel scaffolding into the terrified crowd and killing at least four people awaiting a performance by the country band Sugarland.

The collapse came moments after an announcer warned of the advancing storm and gave instructions on what to do in event of an evacuation. Witnesses said a wall of dirt, dust and rain blew up quickly like a dust bowl and a burst of high wind toppled the rigging. People ran, screaming and shouting, desperate to get out of the way.

Afterward, hundreds of concert-goers rushed amid the chaos to tend to the injured, many trying to lift heavy beams, lights and other equipment that blew onto the crowd. Witnesses said many of the injured were in the VIP section closest to the stage, known as the "Sugar Pit." Emergency crews set up a triage center in a tunnel below the grandstand at the Indianapolis fairgrounds.

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Indianapolis Stage Collapse Aftermath

Fans waiting to see Sugarland attempt to hold up the stage after high winds blew the stage over at the Indiana State Fair Grandstands, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Indianapolis. About a dozen people are reported to have injuries after the stage collapsed. (AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star, Matt Kryger)

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Report: Collapsed Ind. Fair Stage Didn't Meet Code Hundreds Gather to Mourn at Site of Indiana Stage Collapse Indiana State Fair Stage Collapses, At Least Four Killed and Many Injured

Indianapolis Stage Collapse Aftermath

Family members tend to their injured relatives after the overhead stage rigging collapsed into a crowd at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand at the Indiana State Fair, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Indianapolis. Authorities say they have confirmed at least three deaths after the stage collapse, where the country group Sugarland was set to perform. (AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star, Matt Kryger)

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Report: Collapsed Ind. Fair Stage Didn't Meet Code Hundreds Gather to Mourn at Site of Indiana Stage Collapse Indiana State Fair Stage Collapses, At Least Four Killed and Many Injured

Indianapolis Stage Collapse Aftermath

Indianapolis Fire Department personnel and paramedics tend to the victims of a stage collapse before a concert at the Indiana State Fair Grandstands Saturday night, Aug. 13, 2011 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star, Matt Kryger)

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Report: Collapsed Ind. Fair Stage Didn't Meet Code Hundreds Gather to Mourn at Site of Indiana Stage Collapse Indiana State Fair Stage Collapses, At Least Four Killed and Many Injured

Indianapolis Stage Collapse Aftermath

Family members tend to their injured relatives as Indianapolis Fire Department personnel and paramedics tend to the victims of a stage collapse before a concert at the Indiana State Fair Grandstands Saturday night, Aug. 13, 2011 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star, Matt Kryger)

This gallery appears with:

Report: Collapsed Ind. Fair Stage Didn't Meet Code Hundreds Gather to Mourn at Site of Indiana Stage Collapse Indiana State Fair Stage Collapses, At Least Four Killed and Many Injured