by eople all over the country were horrified to wake up to the news this morning that another stage collapse occurred Saturday night. This time, five people were killed and dozens were injured.
The country duo Sugarland was slated to perform last night at the Indiana State Fair. Lead singer Jennifer Nettles has released a statement expressing her condolences and the group has cancelled its performance at the Iowa State fair.
The names of the five people who died in the accident were reported at a news conference at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Sunday morning. The four who died at the scene are Tammy Vandam, 42, Wanatah, Ind.; Glenn Goodrich, 49, Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23 Fort Wayne; Christina Santiago, 29, Chicago. Nathan Byrd, 51, Indianapolis, died at Methodist Hospital Sunday morning.
This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar incident involving a stage collapse during a performance by Cheap Trick. Although no one was killed in that incident, many were injured.
Questions already are being raised about why this is happening. In both cases, strong winds were the cause…in the case of last night’s collapse, winds were estimated at over 60 mph. Some are saying the sturdiness of stage construction needs to be upgraded to match what some see as growing strength and fierceness in Mother Nature’s storms. Others say it is just a series of tragic accidents that would be difficult to avoid.
Any loss of life is tragic, but when it happens at an event meant to bring about fun and relaxation, it is all the more shocking and disturbing. My hope is that concert promoters and construction crews use these incidents as a chance to examine their practices just to make sure the safety of performers and concertgoers are the top priority
