Tim Brunn, of Island Lake helps his son Josh into their van after he was released from Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Josh, along with his mom, Karen, were injured when a stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair last week. Personal Service Assistant Irwing Rivera helps the Brunns.
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Survivors of a deadly stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair say they feel fortunate to have escaped but mourn those who weren’t as lucky.
Six people died of injuries suffered when a wind gust of 60 to 70 mph sent metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment into a crowd of fans waiting for the country act Sugarland to perform last weekend.
Many of the survivors escaped being struck by just inches. Some rushed to help those who were injured and say they are troubled now by not knowing what happened to them.
Fair officials have acknowledged they didn’t follow their severe weather procedure by ordering an evacuation. But Indiana officials investigating whether the deaths and injuries could have been prevented say it could take months to get answers.
A hearse leaves the funeral of Alina R. BigJohny, Friday Aug. 19, 2011 in Fort Wayne, Ind.. BigJohny died on Saturday August 13, 2011 when wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph collapsed the stage where about 12,000 people were waiting for a Sugarland Concert at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
Associated Press
Amy Howard puts up a sign for her cousin Andrea Vellinga, while her son Aidan Howard moves out of the way in Pendleton Ind. on Thursday Aug. 18, 2011. Vellinga was injured in the August 13 stage collapse at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and still remains in the hospital.
Associated Press