Update: Sunday 11:28 a.m. ET
At least five people were killed Saturday night at the Indiana State Fair when a massive wind tore down a concert stage, authorities said. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels described the collapse as a "freakish accident." Watch an iReport shot by someone who captured the stage collapsing.
"You could see a lot of people panicking," said Aaron Richman, who witnessed the incident in Indiapolis. Deafening screams were heard over the crumbling of the main concert stage. "All the scaffolding and speakers - all that came crashing down - and the whole stand just collapsed."
Allison Hoehn said many in the crowd rushed to try to help people trapped under the debris. "We tried to get down to help, but no one was moving," she said. "The storm came on so fast and the stage just snapped like a toothpick."
Spectators grabbed parts of their seats to assemble makeshift stretchers, Hoehn said. "Everyone rushed to help, and we saw people searching and pulling people out," she said. "(I) saw five people go away on stretchers. It was amazing how many people ran in to try to lift the scaffolding."
As crews sifted through the rubble late into Saturday, on Sunday Indiana State Police Sgt. Dave Bursten reported that in addition to the fatalities, at least 40 were injured.
"It's a very sad day at the state fair and our hearts are really breaking," said Cindy Hoye, the fair's executive director.
Investigators are trying to figure out the cause of the collapse. A stage at the Indiana State Fair collapsed Saturday. At least a dozen were hurt, according to the Indianapolis Star newspaper.
The country music duo Sugarland, who was slated to appear on stage Saturday, tweeted that they were okay: "We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you'll join us. They need your strength."
A witness told CNN that inclement weather played a part in the incident, which was posted on Youtube.
"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," Aaron Richmann said.
Video from CNN affiliate WTHR showed flashing lights and emergency vehicles on the scene.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for central Indiana Saturday evening. “Thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds and large hail as the main threats,” the weather service said. “The storms will also produce dangerous lightning and brief heavy rainfall.”
The weather service said thunderstorms were possible for the area Sunday.
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Now I see why! Of course.
The stages they put up are giant kites. So when they said to everyone that they new there was going to be bad weather coming through they should have had everyone get away from that area, not just sit there and wait it out and let the stage fall on them. who ever was in charge of this concert should of thought about safety and not about seeing how much money they could make by packing as many people in a area that is dangerous when bad weather is coming. USE COMMON SENSE PEOPLE.
The stages they put up are giant kites. So when they said to everyone that they new there was going to be bad weather coming through they should have had everyone get away from that area, not just sit there and wait it out and let the stage fall on them. who ever was in charge of this concert should of thought about safety and not about seeing how much money they could make by packing as many people in a area that is dangerous when bad weather is coming. USE COMMON SENSE PEOPLE.
I dont care I dont know any of them
What are you, 11?
Shut up. That's an ignorant and immature joke to make in this situation. Grow up.
funny. but sad. ;-d
Insensitive a**hole
STFU, you ignorant azzhole.
Four people have died in this accident and a dozen or more have been injured, some critically.
4 deaths equals minor injuries? Idiot.
theres 8 deaths
Are you really that stupid?
Sorry ... Americans are caring about Americans at this very moment. We care about others, but we also need to worry for our own.
People are dying all over the world, not just china! And its not minor injuries, there are deaths. Does that make you freaking happy??? Damn moron!
You're an idiot, keep your ignorant opinion to yourself. Take your ass to china then.
WOW the chinese prolly made the dang thing but that is besides the point i have friends there right now so yes i am more worried about them than the chinese excuse me for praying for my fellow americans and friends!!!!!!!