More than a dozen people were injured when severe weather struck a Backstreet Boys gig in Oklahoma on Saturday evening, local time, causing a structure to collapse on several members of the crowd.
The incident occurred shortly before the band was due to perform at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, with a reported 14 people treated by emergency crews and rushed to local hospitals.
Band member Kevin Richardson sent out an update on Twitter, saying:
“Hey folks! Severe weather, high winds and rain just passed thru here in Thackerville, OK. Emergency crews are on the scene as tent collapsed and some folks who were seeking shelter were injured. Waiting to determine damage to our stage and production.”
Nick Carter also said that the group is “waiting and praying for our fans that were injured.”
Waiting and praying for our fans that were injured. If we can perform were ready to go. But safety is first. pic.twitter.com/0GlB9fbmoc
— Nick Carter (@nickcarter) August 19, 2018
The venue has since released a statement, saying that patrons were warned to evacuate as the storm approached, but that not all took notice of this warning:
“All patrons in the area were asked to move and to seek shelter from the storm. However, about 150 patrons who were standing in line for the Backstreet Boys concert did not heed staff’s warning … the storm hit and knocked over the concert entrance trusses with 70-80 mile an hour winds and heavy rain. 14 people were treated at the scene and then transported to local hospitals. Two have already been released.”
Videos from the scene show the immediate aftermath of the collapse, with patrons attempting to help their fellow concert-goers:
@AllisonFox4News Right after it fell. Several people hurt including a young girl. Several fans spring to action including former army nurse who’s husband was hurt. pic.twitter.com/baprxWyKbN
— Nikole Berry (@NikoleJagow) August 19, 2018
While it was hoped that the Backstreet Boys wold perform later in the evening, the storm damage was decided to be too great and the show was eventually cancelled.
