UPDATE: Stage Collapses at Indiana State Fair

Written by SLN Staff Writer August 14, 2011

Shortly before 9 pm Saturday evening the stage where Sugarland was set to perform at the Indiana State Fair collapsed due to inclement weather.

As of 12:20 am EST on August 14, 2011, at least four have been confirmed dead and dozens are injured. The Associated Press reports emergency crews were called to the scene and have set up a command center to treat those who are injured. Other media outlets report that dogs have searched the scene and everyone has been pulled from the rubble.

“A big gust of wind came through. You could see a lot of people panicking. All the scaffolding and speakers – all that came crashing down – and the whole stand just collapsed,” eyewitness Aaron Richmann told CNN.

Other witnesses report, “a wall a wall of dirt, dust, rain and wind came up the main thoroughfare of the fairgrounds just before the collapse.” (via The Associated Press)

Update: Jimmy Carter (@askjimmycarter) reports, “Capt. Brad Weaver, commander of special operations for the Indiana State Police, said he took the stage at 8:45 p.m. to warn the audience.” He also says that the local meteorologist believes the winds that took down the stage “were nearly hurricane force.”

Check out video of the stage collapse below:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.