Indiana State Fair Stage Collapses; Prayers Pour in
Prayers are flowing in after at least five people were killed Saturday night when a stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out from all of the Rickers family to all those affected by the tragic events that took place last night at the Indiana State Fair. We are all sadden (sic) by the loss of life and wish for a speedy recovery to everyone that was injured," Ricker Stores posted on the state fair Facebook page.
Video footage of the tragic accident shows a massive outdoor stage falling over, reportedly caused by a gust of wind. A severe storm was expected to hit the fairgrounds Saturday night and fair officials had been monitoring the weather.
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Rain did not fall yet when the stage collapsed. But after the accident that sent thousands of fans running and screaming, heavy rains and winds as high as 60 mph were reported, according to USA Today.
ISP 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten reported that four people died that night and a fifth died early Sunday. Forty-five people were injured.
Fans had been waiting for country band Sugarland to take the stage to perform when the accident occurred.
In a statement Saturday, Sugarland stated, "We are all right after our stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair tonight. Many of our fans and friends in Indianapolis may not be. Please keep them in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever form of strength you are able to send. They need you. Thank you."
The Indiana State Fair's Facebook page has been filled with prayer posts.
"No words can describe how we feel, God you need to reach down to the families with comfort and grace as your humble servants are doing. Bless all who are affected," Doug Dooley wrote.
"My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to those that were injured and to the families of the ones that were lost in this tragic accident. ♥ May GOD give you all comfort during this time," Samantha Larson posted on the page.
The Georgia National Fair also sent its thoughts and prayers to the families and staff of the Indiana State Fair.
The fair has been closed for Sunday as organizers figure out how best to proceed. Fair officials plan to resume the Aug. 5-21 fair "in some form" on Monday.
