Indiana State Police say the main stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds collapsed as the result of severe weather that pushed through Central Indiana around 8:45 p.m. Saturday.
State Police First Sergeant Dave Bursten addressed a news conference early Sunday morning saying more than 40 people were treated at local hospitals. He adds, that number may increase due to the number of people who transported themselves to the hospital. Injuries range from simple scrapes to more critical trauma. The Marion County Coroner’s Office tells Fox 59 four people died, two of which have been identified. Around 8 a.m., a spokesman for the State Fairgrounds confirmed a 5th person had died at a hospital.
First Sergeant Bursten says they are still looking for the “missing who don’t know they are missing.” He says there is not a specific missing person being searched for, however they are looking for those who are injured, wandered off or maybe fell unconscious after they left the collapse scene.
Concert goers with injuries were transported to area hospitals. Eight people were taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital and three were taken to Riley at IU Health. More than a dozen others walked into other IU Health hospitals. Six people were taken to St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital.
FAIR CLOSED SUNDAY, MEMORIAL MONDAY
State Police First Sergeant Dave Bursten also said the Indiana State Fair will be closed Sunday. There is a public memorial scheduled to take place Monday. An exact time and place will be announced soon.
SUGARLAND, BAREILLES SCHEDULED
Sugarland, who was performing at the fairgrounds tweeted “We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you will join us. They need your strength.”
Sara Bareilles was on stage just before the stage collapsed. She tweeted “I’m speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost.”
RED CROSS ASSISTS
The Red Cross also helped at the fairgrounds with the immediate incident. They are also providing a place where concert-goers and family members can reunite. They are asking those looking for family to contact their downtown office located at 441 E 10th St. or call (317) 684-4305 to submit names. As of 3:30 am Sunday the Red Cross can provide the names of 33 injured people.
State Police provided chaplains to helping families looking for those who were at the concert.
Facebook pages have been set up for the victims of the accident and celebrities and other are tweeting their thoughts and prayers. Other musicians and celebrities are tweeting thier thoughts for those who were injured.
TIMELINE
8:30am – State Fair Spokesman Andy Klotz confirmed a 5th person died as a result of the stage collapse.
12:35am – Mayor Greg Ballard is asking people to register at the Red Cross’ website “Safe and Well” to give loved ones piece of mind if people were at the concert.
12:26am – State Police are saying there are at least 40 people injured and they will have another press conference with more information around 1:30 am.
11:30pm – Chaplains are being asked to help families looking for those who were at the concert.
11:15pm – Police say there have been 27 people injured in the collapse. The Coroner’s office has confirmed there are 4 dead.
11:00pm – State Police are having a news conference now. They are saying three people have died as a result of the collapse.
10:45pm – Emergency crews are keeping some of the concert goers in the Horse Barn while trying to assess injuries.
10:30pm – Fox59 has learned Sugarland was about to take the stage when the collapse happened and Sara Bareilles had just ended her set.
We also know there are still people trapped under the stage.
10:00pm – Witnesses are saying the collapsed was caused by a big gust of wind that was with severe weather blowing through Central Indiana.
9:15pm – The main stage of the State Fairgrounds has collapsed. There have been several injured.
Police are not giving details on the severity of injuries as of right now.
